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.
1990s Minimalist Silver Plated Sculpture La Colombella Bianca by Lino Sabattini
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A sleek and elegant piece of Italian design, this Minimalist Sculpture, "La Colombella Bianca" (The white Dove, was created by the acclaimed Italian designer Lino Sabattini for his o...
Silver Plate
Gio Ponti for Lino Sabattini Sculpture in Metal "Horned Mask," Italy 1970
By Lino Sabattini, Gio Ponti
Located in Naples, IT
Silver-plated metal sculpture titled "Horned Mask" designed by Gio Ponti and manufactured by Sabattini Argenteria. It features an engraved signature on the side. this sculpture is p...
Metal
20th Century Mackintosh Pair of Vases "Black & White" by Sabattini
By Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Lino Sabattini
Located in Turin, Turin
The original design of this gorgeous pair of Vases is by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Scottish architect, designer and painter. He was an exponent of the so-called Glasgow movement, at...
Metal
20th Century, Gio Ponti and Lino Sabattini Sculpture Maschera Cornuta, 1978
By Gio Ponti, Lino Sabattini
Located in Turin, Turin
Now thirty, Sabattini moved from Blevio to Milan, where he found a small laboratory with all the essential tools of his Craft. His contacts with “Domus” became more frequent. This be...
Metal
Gio Ponti Horse Silver Sculpture with Lino Sabattini for Christofle
By Gio Ponti, Lino Sabattini, Christofle
Located in Hanover, MA
1978 Gio Ponti designed silver plated horse sculpture, titled "Cavallo", edition Lino Sabattini for Christofle, 2008. Very good condition. Comes with original Christofle box and non-...
Silver Plate
Sculpture "Horned Mask" Silvered Metal by Gio Ponti for Sabattini, Italy 1978
By Gio Ponti, Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Rome, IT
Wonderful a silver metal sculpture of horned mask (Maschera Cornuta) designed by Gio Ponti for Sabattini. Made in Italy in the 1978.
Metal
Abstract Geometric Silver-Plated Vase by Lino Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A slick, curved silver-plated vase by Lino Sabattini. Signed "Lino Sabattini / Cormorano 1966/2000, Collezione Sabattini Italy" on the face of the piece; and stamped "Sabattini Made ...
Metal, Silver
Silvered Metal Sculpture "Ex Voto per il diavolo" by Gio Ponti for Sabattini
By Gio Ponti, Lino Sabattini
Located in Rome, IT
Silvered metal sculpture "Ex Voto Per Il Diavolo" by the Italian designer Gio Ponti for Sabattini. Made in Italy in 1978. Signed and dated with engraved manufacturer's mark to rev...
Metal, Steel
20th Century Gio Ponti and Lino Sabattini Sculpture Hands, 1978
By Gio Ponti, Lino Sabattini
Located in Turin, Turin
Now thirty, Sabattini moved from Blevio to Milan, where he found a small laboratory with all the essential tools of his Craft. His contacts with “Domus” became more frequent. This be...
Metal
Gio Ponti Hand Sculpture by Sabattini
By Gio Ponti, Lino Sabattini
Located in Chicago, IL
Gio Ponti Hand Sculpture by Sabattini Silver-Plated Metal made in Italy 1978 Dimensions: 13½ h × 3¾ w × 3¼ d in
Metal, Silver Plate
Gio Ponti Silver Metal Sculpture Model Hand 5 Fingers for Sabattini, Italy
By Gio Ponti, Lino Sabattini
Located in Milan, Italy
Silver metal model hand 5 fingers designed by Gio Ponti for Sabattini in 1978. Signed. Biography Architect, designer and artist, Gio Ponti (Milan 1891-1979) graduated in Milan in 19...
Metal
1990s Minimalist Silver Plated Sculpture La Giraffa by Lino Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Vintage Minimalist Silver Plated Sculpture "La Giraffa" by Lino Sabattini (Circa 1990s) Presenting an exceptional piece of Italian design history, this striking Minimalist Sculpture,...
Silver Plate
20th Century Gio Ponti and Lino Sabattini Sculpture Diavolo, 1978
By Lino Sabattini, Gio Ponti
Located in Turin, Turin
Now thirty, Sabattini moved from Blevio to Milan, where he found a small laboratory with all the essential tools of his craft. His contacts with “Domus” became more frequent. This be...
Metal
20th Century Gio Ponti and Lino Sabattini Sculpture La Luna Strega, 1978
By Lino Sabattini, Gio Ponti
Located in Turin, Turin
Now thirty, Sabattini moved from Blevio to Milan, where he found a small laboratory with all the essential tools of his craft. His contacts with “Domus” became more frequent. This be...
Metal
"Angolo Collezione" of Silver Plated Abstract Geometric Forms by Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Wonderful collection of abstract geometric sculptural forms titled "The Collection of Angles" (Angolo Collezione) designed and made by renown Italian metalworker Lino Sabattini. Incl...
Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini Silver Metal Sculpture Model Kalos, Vintage, 1978
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Milan, Italy
Kalos model sculpture designed and produced by Lino Sabattini in 1978. Limited edition of 23 pieces. Number 3. Signed. Biography Lino Sabattini was an Italian artist. He worked in a...
Metal
Silver Metal Sculpture Model Diavolo by Gio Ponti for Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini, Gio Ponti
Located in Milan, Italy
Sculpture depicting the devil designed by Gio Ponti and created by Lino Sabattini in 1978 in hallmarked silver metal. Biography Architect, designer and artist, Gio Ponti (Milan 1891...
Metal
$380Sale 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
"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
$9,500
H 10 in W 8.2 in D 6.2 in
Gio Ponti Ceramic Sculpture" Il Pellegrino Stanco" for Richard Ginori, Milano
By Gio Ponti, Richard Ginori
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great sample of one most important designers of the 20th century, Glazed ceramic, Gio Ponti, made for Richard Ginori and marked S Christoforo, Milano.
Ceramic
Lino Sabatinni For Christofle / Gallia, Paris - Ice Bucket, c.1960
By Lino Sabattini, Christofle
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous ice minimalist / modernist silver plated ice bucket, I believe in the Windsor pattern, designed c.1960 by the world famous Lino Sabatinni, the preeminent figure in modern...
Silver Plate
$2,087
H 12.41 in W 4.34 in D 5.12 in
Elegant Mid-Century Modern Candle Holder Flamma by Lino Sabattini Italy 1970s
By Lino Sabattini, Sabattini Argenteria
Located in München, BY
Extremely rare, elegant and highly decorative Mid-Century Modern candle holder / candelabra 'Flamma'. Designed by Lino Sabattini for Sabattini Argenteria, Italy, 1970s. Signed to the...
Metal
$1,739
H 12.6 in W 3.94 in D 2.37 in
Gio Ponti Silver Metal Sculpture Model Hand 5 Fingers for Sabattini, Italy
By Gio Ponti, Lino Sabattini
Located in Milan, Italy
Silver metal model hand 5 fingers designed by Gio Ponti for Sabattini in 1978. Signed. Biography Architect, designer and artist, Gio Ponti (Milan 1891-1979) graduated in Milan in 19...
Metal
20th Century Abstract Bronze Sculpture
Located in Bagshot, GB
A fantastic piece of abstract art in the form of a bronze sculpture. With sharp casting in the form of a shell motif and figurine and with a great verdi gris patina.
Bronze
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
$336
H 3.55 in Dm 5.12 in
Lino Sabattini for Christofle Fleuron Silver Plated Apple-Shaped Butter Box, 70s
By Lino Sabattini, Christofle
Located in Roma, IT
A box that recalls a work by René Magritte, an apple and a bowler hat come together in this silver plated box from the 1970s produced by Fleuron Christofle. A butter dish or a caviar...
Silver Plate
A large pair of 20th C decorative black glass vases
Located in Reepham, GB
A large pair of 20th-century decorative black glass vases. Combining bold presence with refined craftsmanship, their deep, lustrous surfaces catching the light to create a dramatic f...
Glass
$2,145 / set
H 9.06 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in
1960s Lino Sabattini for Christofle Silver and Teak Cocktail Set
By Christofle, Lino Sabattini
Located in Florence, Tuscany
A very rare and beautiful 1960s cocktail set with modernist jug and six aperitivo cups designed by Lino Sabattini for Christofle. Each piece is stamped Christofle Gallia ITALY on the...
Silver
20th Century Abstract Marble Sculpture
Located in Denton, TX
Abstract sculpture carved with three different faces is perfect for a center table location or garden.
Marble
Sold
H 13.78 in W 18.51 in D 9.85 in
One Off Metal and Wood Geometric Sculpture by Lino Sabattini, Italy, 1970s
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Milan, IT
One off metal sculpture by Lino Sabattini. Literature available upon request.
Metal
Sold
H 14.97 in W 4.34 in D 2.37 in
Silver Metal Sculpture Model Maschera Cornuta by Gio Ponti for Sabbatini
By Lino Sabattini, Gio Ponti
Located in Milan, Italy
Sculpture in perforated plate and silver metal. Sabattini production. Signature under the base. Biography Architect, designer and artist, Gio Ponti (Milan 1891-1979) graduated in Mi...
Metal
Sold
H 10.24 in W 23.63 in D 6.3 in
Horse Sculpture 'Cavallo' by Gio Ponti and Lino Sabattini for Christofle, 1978
By Gio Ponti, Lino Sabattini, Christofle
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Chic modern abstract horse sculpture in silver plate called "Cavallo," by legendary designer Gio Ponti, manufactured by metalsmith Lino Sabatt...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 11.03 in W 5.91 in D 7.49 in
Gio Ponti for Sabattini “Il Cavallo" Silver Plate Sculpture, Italy 1970s
By Lino Sabattini, Gio Ponti
Located in Naples, IT
Lacquered in silver on stainless steel, this sculpture was designed in the 1970s by Gio Ponti and made by goldsmith Lino Sabatini for the Christofle company in France. The work was a...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 11.03 in W 5.91 in D 7.49 in
Gio Ponti for Sabattini “Il Diavolo" Decorative Mask, Italy, 1970s
By Lino Sabattini, Gio Ponti
Located in Naples, IT
Sculpture and large decorative mask in perforated silver-plated metal 'The Devil' designed by Gio' Ponti and produced by the firm Lino Sabattini, Limited edition and signed at the b...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 11.03 in W 4.34 in D 4.73 in
20th Century Lino Sabattini Decorative Object as Sails in Silvered Metal, 70s
By Lino Sabattini, Sabattini Argenteria
Located in Turin, Turin
Lino Sabattini was an Italian artist. He worked at a brassware store, where he also learned metalworking techniques. At the age of 30 he moved to Milan, where he opened a small works...
Metal
Modernist Coffee / Tea Set by Lino Sabattini, Christofle
By Christofle, Lino Sabattini
Located in Buffalo, NY
Silver-plated metal coffee and tea set consisting of four elements (coffee pot, teapot, creamer, ) and a tray. Designed by Lino Sabattini cor Christofle ....Varnished caned handles. ...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 9.45 in W 5.52 in D 5.52 in
20th Century Lino Sabattini Centerpiece / Sculpture Noce in Silvered Metal 1977
By Lino Sabattini, Sabattini Argenteria
Located in Turin, Turin
Centerpiece or sculpture model "Noce" ("nut" in italian) by Lino Sabattini in Silvered Metal, produced in 1977. Very good condition, as never used, fully original.
Metal
Sold
H 6.7 in W 18.51 in D 3.94 in
20th Century Gio Ponti Lino Sabattini Sculpture Horse in Silver Metal End '70s
By Gio Ponti, Lino Sabattini
Located in Turin, Turin
Statue in silver metal designed by the Maestro Gio Ponti and produced for Lino Sabattini since the end of '70s. The sculpture is in silver metal and represents a horse. This example ...
Metal
Lino Sabattini Italy circa 1970 Silvered Metal Vase
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Silvered metal vase Lino Sabattini, Italy, circa 1970. Signed to base with Sabattini mark. Height: 10.5 inches. Lino Sabattini became director of design at the prestigious Christofle...
Metal
Sold
H 14.97 in W 3.94 in L 14.97 in
Rare Maschera Cornuta or Horned Mask by Gio Ponti for Sabattini, 1979, Italy
By Gio Ponti, Lino Sabattini
Located in München, BY
Amazing Mid-Century Modern Maschera Cornuta (Horned Mask) by Gio Ponti for Sabattini, Italy. The mask is marked on one side: Sabattini Italy Design Gio Pon...
Metal
Sold
H 85.04 in W 48.43 in D 27.56 in
Abstract Italian Midcentury Steel Sculpture by Lino Sabattini, 1970s
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Impressive abstract steel sculpture by Lino Sabattini (born 1925), Italy, 1975. Made of welded sheet steel, painted in a bright red lacquer. The sculpture is meant to stand outside...
Sheet Metal