Lino Sabattini was the preeminent figure in modern Italian silver and metalware design. His expansive and diverse body of work is marked by its strength and boldness, whether in dynamic forms that suggest the thrust and power of Italian Futurist art and design or light and curvaceous biomorphic serveware and decorative objects.
Sabattini was largely self-taught as a designer. Born in the northern Italian town of Correggio, he learned metalsmithing techniques while working in the studio of a maker of brass tableware. He also served as an apprentice of sorts to the expatriate German ceramist Roland Hettner, who taught Sabattini about fluidity of form and showed him how shapes derive from the behavior of materials.
At age 30, Sabattini opened a studio in Milan, and his work quickly came to the attention of Gio Ponti, who decided to publish it in Domus, the Italian design legend's influential design and architecture magazine. Ponti also arranged for Sabattini’s creations to be included in a 1956 exhibition of contemporary Italian design in Paris. The principals of Christofle, the revered French silverware maker, were so impressed that they hired the young designer as the firm’s artistic director, a post he held until 1963. Sabattini, who would also go on to design ceramic wares for Rosenthal, returned home to open Argenteria Sabattini in Bregnano, a company still in business today.
A designer with a questing curiosity and ever-evolving aesthetic sensibility, Sabattini couldn’t be pinned down to one particular style. His best-known work, the Como coffee and tea service of 1956, has an elegant, attenuated and energetic form; his Stairs coffee and tea service (1971), meanwhile, is a clever group of simple columnar shapes in stepped heights, which nest together in a compact arrangement. Other Sabattini pieces have dramatic angles, or sweeping, wing-like flourishes, or consist of perforated ovoids somehow reminiscent of sculptures by Brancusi. In any style, Sabattini produced objects of singular fascination.
Find a range of vintage Lino Sabattini vases and other decorative objects on 1stDibs.
1960s by Lino Sabattini Italian Design Silver Metal Pair of Bowls
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Brescia, IT
Couple of bowls. Excellent condition.
Silver Plate
Christofle Gallia Lino Sabatini Silver-Plated Leaf-Shaped Dish Mid-Century Moder
By Lino Sabattini, Christofle
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Christofle Gallia (Lino Sabatini) silver-plated leaf-shaped dish, often referred to as a vide-poche or pocket tray. Christofle, specifically fr...
Silver Plate
Candara Bowl by Lino Sabattini, Silver Plate, Italy, 1970
By Lino Sabattini, Sabattini Argenteria
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A bowl with the name Candara with a simplistic and iconic design by renowned italian designer Lino Sabattini from circa 1970. The condition is good albeit with some wear (see picture...
Silver Plate
Mid-Century Modernist 'Candara' Centerpiece Bowl signed Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini
Located in New York, NY
This striking mid-century modernist 'Candara' centerpiece bowl, circa 1970, is signed by the renowned Italian designer Sabattini. It stands as a testament to the era's commitment to ...
Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini Silverplate Rocking Fruit Bowl, Modernist Design, Italy c.1960s
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Oakland, CA
Rocking silver plate fruit bowl by Italian Industrial Designer Lino Sabattini (1926-2016). The circular bowl has continuous rounded handles that run end to end along the bottom of th...
Silver Plate
A 1960s Iconic Lino Sabattini for Christofle Minimalist Silver Plated Bowl
By Lino Sabattini, Christofle
Located in Aci Castello, IT
An high quality silver plated oval bowl designed by Lino Sabattini, it has been made in France by Christofle world famous manufacturer in the Sixties. It's in very good conditions an...
Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini, oblong dish
By Lino Sabattini
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Oblong dish in silver plated metal by Lino Sabattini for Christofle, Italy circa 1957
Metal, Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini, oblong dish
By Lino Sabattini
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Oblong dish in silver plated metal by Lino Sabattini for Christofle, Italy circa 1957
Metal, Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini Silverplated Bowls 1996
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Čelinac, BA
Silverplated Bowls by Lino Sabattini 1996.
Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini bowl from the 1960s produced by Christofle
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Vigevano, PV
Lino Sabattini bowl from the 1960s produced by Christofle
Silver Plate
Mid-Century Modernist 'Candara' Centerpiece Bowl signed Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini
Located in New York, NY
This striking mid-century modernist 'Candara' centerpiece bowl, circa 1970, is signed by the renowned Italian designer Sabattini. It stands as a testament to the era's commitment to ...
Silver Plate
Pair of Bowls Silver Metal by Lino Sabattini, Italy 1970s
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of bowls, one composed of 7 bowls and the other of 4 bowls, by Sabattini. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Dimensions: - First 7: diameter 19.5 cm, height 3 cm. - Other 4: widt...
Metal
Lino Sabbatini Rare Set of Graduated Round Silvered Bowls, Italy, 1970s
By Lino Sabattini
Located in New York, NY
Lino Sabbatini ( 1925-2016 ) A rare set of three graduated round silvered bowls with decorated rim. Signed Italy, 1970's Dimensions: Large: 12.5 Ø, medi...
Metal
Postmodern Lino Sabattini Silver-Plated Brass Shell Vide-Poche, Italy
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This is a great silver plated brass vide-poche in the shape of a shell. Its simple design was created by Lino Sabattini. This is a vintage piece, therefore it ...
Silver Plate, Brass
"Germoglio" Lino Sabattini Italian Design 1970s Silver Vase
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Brescia, IT
"Germoglio" Vases design Lino Sabattini 1979 Silver metal Excellent condiction.
Metal
$4,475 / set
H 6 in W 4.5 in D 8.25 in
Pair of Sterling Silver Swan Decorative Bowls Signed Gorham Sterling
By Durgin-Gorham 1
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful pair of Art Deco Sterling silver swan decorative bowls were executed by the legendary American silver maker, Gorham circa 1920. They feature elegantly streamlined demi...
Sterling Silver
Lino Sabattini 'Cardinale' Bud Vase Design for Christofle
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Sharon, CT
The largest (14.5") version of this classic silver plated brass vase designed by Lino Sabattini for Christofle. Fully signed on bottom.
Silver Plate
Silver Plated Metal 1960s Bowl & Box by Christofle
By Christofle
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of 2 silver plated metal decorative objects: a "leave" bowl and an "apple" box from the '60s. Pretty good condition: the bowl show light defect on one side as showed in the pictu...
Silver Plate, Brass
$383Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.63 in Dm 1.97 in
Moritz vase, design Lino SABATTINI in silvered metal and glass. Italy, 90s
By Lino Sabattini, Sabattini Argenteria
Located in Torino, IT
Moritz vase, design Lino SABATTINI for Sabattini Silverware, in silver metal and glass base. ORIGIN Italy PERIOD 1990s DESIGNER Lino SABATTINI (1925-2016) was born in Correggio (R...
Metal, Silver Plate
Modernist Chrome Fruit Bowl by Lino Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice modernist chrome fruit bowl by Lino Sabattini, circa 1970s. The design features a long clean look with round swirls on each end. The pie...
Chrome
Large French Mid Century Ceramic Bowl or Centerpiece, Signed
By Apt
Located in Miami, FL
Large French Mid Century Ceramic Bowl or Centerpiece, Signed Stunning ceramic or mixed earths piece was made by combining clay slips of light and dark bro...
Earthenware
Mid-Century Modern Italian Art Glass Pedestal Bowl or Centerpiece
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large Mid-Century Modern art glass footed compote is unsigned but presumed to have been made in Italy in circa 1969. The bowl is done in multicolored swirls of red, brown, blue,...
Art Glass
$1,638
H 1.19 in Dm 17.33 in
Lino Sabattini, Large silver-plated centerpiece / tray, Sabattini Italy 1970s
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Firenze, IT
Large silver-plated centerpiece / tray by Lino Sabattini Sabattini Italy 1970s H 3 cm / 44 cm diam. Marked on the base. Conditions: excellent, no defects
Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini, candlestick
By Lino Sabattini
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Candlestick in silver metal, model Concerto di trombe, by Lino Sabattini for Christofle, Italy circa 1957.
Metal, Silver Plate
$395
H 8.47 in W 2.09 in D 1.19 in
Silver Plated 'Giselle' Soliflor Vase Candlestick by Lino Sabattini. Italy 1970s
By Sabattini Argenteria, Danese Milano, Lino Sabattini, Ettore Sottsass, Christofle
Located in Malmö, SE
Silver plated Mid-Century 'Giselle' soliflor vase or candlestick. Designed by Lino Sabattini and produced by Sabattini in Italy, 1970s. Good original condition, but with some scratc...
Stainless Steel
$350
H 4.5 in W 9.63 in D 8 in
Italian Mid-Century Biomorphic Incised Ceramic Centerpiece Bowl, Green Interior
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This striking vintage Italian centerpiece bowl is a wonderful example of the bold sculptural ceramics produced in Italy during the 1960s. Formed with an elegant biomorphic silhouette...
Ceramic
Lino Sabattini, leaf shaped dish
By Lino Sabattini
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Leaf shaped dish in silver plated silver by Lino Sabattini for Christofle, Gallia production, Italy circa 1970
Metal, Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini Silver Plate Italian Design Vase Sabattini Argenteria
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Chicago, IL
Lino Sabattini Stele model silver plate vase Sabattini Argenteria. Circa 1963 Trademark on the back Sabattini Made in Italy. Bibliography: Filippo Alison...
Silver Plate
Italian Mid Century Silver Plated Large Round Rare Tray by Lino Sabattini
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in San Diego, CA
This stunning large round tray by Lino Sabattini, a silver tray. designed by Lino Sabattini early production very hard to find the tray is polished but shows wear due to age beautifu...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 9.85 in W 11.42 in D 10.24 in
Postmodern Sheffield Plated Metal Fruit Basket by Lino Sabattini, Marked, Italy
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This fruit basket is made in Sheffield plated metal. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in very g...
Sheffield Plate
Sold
H 2.76 in W 9.85 in D 8.27 in
Postmodern Lino Sabattini Silver-Plated Brass and Glass Shell Vide-Poche, Italy
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This is a great silver plated brass and etched glass vide-poche in the shape of a shell. Its simple design was created by Lino Sabattini. This is a vintage ...
Silver Plate, Brass
1980s Modernist Lino Sabattini Silver Plated Bowl
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A silver plated bowl depicting a fruit designed by Lino Sabbattini and manufactured by Sabattini Argenteria. It's marked on the bottom.
Silver Plate
20th Century Mackintosh Bowl Mod. Willow Reproduced by Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini, Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Located in Torino, Piemonte
The original design of this gorgeous Bowl is by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Scottish architect, designer and painter. He was an exponent of the so-called Glasgow movement, at least th...
Metal
Sold
H 3.23 in W 19.49 in D 12.8 in
Silver Plated "Baja" Centerpiece Bowl by Lino Sabattini, Italy 1970s
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Utrecht, NL
This “Baja” centrepiece bowl was designed in 1976 by the pre-eminent figure of modern Italian silver and metalware design, Lino Sabattini. The designer’s expansive and diverse body of work is marked by its strength and boldness, whether in dynamic forms that suggest the thrust and power of Italian Futurist art...
Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini for Sabattini Argenteria "Cesto" Bowl, Italy 1960s
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Naples, IT
An elegant silver-plated spiral basket/centrepiece made in Italy in the 1960s by Sabattini Argenteria. This piece is in original patina and is easily cleaned. It is an iconic moderni...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 3.94 in W 13.39 in D 8.27 in
1970s Iconic Modernist Silver Plated Italian Basket Design by Lino Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A stylish silver plated spiral bowl made in Italy in the Seventies by Sabattini argenteria. this piece it's in original patina, it can be easily cleaned. It's an iconic modernist pie...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 3.5 in W 13.25 in D 7.5 in
Lino Sabattini Cesto Silver Plate Italian Design Sculptural Sabattini Argenteria
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Chicago, IL
Lino Sabattini Cesto model silver plate bowl or bread basket for Sabattini Argenteria. A single rope of silver plate undulates in a continuous circle creating the form. Excellent...
Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini Made in Italy Bowl in Silver Metal, 1960s
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern design bowl in silver metal designed by Lino Sabattini, engraved Sabattini made in Italy under the base, 1960s Please note that the item is original of ...
Metal, Silver Plate