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.
Sculptural Silver Plate Modernist "Mars" Vase by Gio Ponti for Christofle, 1950s
By Christofle, Lino Sabattini, Gio Ponti
Located in Lille, FR
Sculptural Silver Plate Modernist "Mars" Vase by Gio Ponti for Christofle, 1950s
Metal, Silver Plate
A Rare 1980s Minimalist Silver Plated Round Design Vase by Lino Sabattini
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This post-modern vase designed by Lino Sabattini exemplifies the clean, sleek aesthetic typical of Sabattini's work and the minimalist movement of the era. This vase features a perfe...
Silver Plate
$398Sale Price|20% Off
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
1990s Minimalist White Porcelain Tasca Vase by Lino Sabattini for Rosenthal
By Lino Sabattini, Rosenthal
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A sophisticated and striking Minimalist White Porcelain Tasca Vase designed by the celebrated Italian designer Lino Sabattini for Rosenthal Studio-Linie, Germany. This sculptural pie...
Porcelain
$427Sale Price|20% Off
Lino Sabattini Silverware "Cardinale" Vase for Christofle, France, 1956
By Lino Sabattini, Christofle
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
A France Mid-Century Modern design vase model “Cardinale” in silvered metal designed by Italian artist Lino Sabattini for Christofle France in 1956,...
Silver Plate, Metal
1990s Minimalist Black Porcelain Tasca Huge Vase by Lino Sabattini for Rosenthal
By Lino Sabattini, Rosenthal
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A sophisticated and striking Minimalist White Porcelain Tasca Vase designed by the celebrated Italian designer Lino Sabattini for Rosenthal Studio-Linie, Germany. This sculptural pie...
Porcelain
Vase by Lino Sabattini, 1955
By Lino Sabattini, Christofle
Located in Berlin, DE
This simple “Vaso 1” vase with two openings was designed by Lino Sabattini for Christofle, Paris. It is made of silver-plated brass.
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
1990s Minimalist White Porcelain Tasca Vase by Lino Sabattini for Rosenthal
By Lino Sabattini, Rosenthal
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A sophisticated and striking Minimalist White Porcelain Tasca Vase designed by the celebrated Italian designer Lino Sabattini for Rosenthal Studio-Linie, Germany. This sculptural pie...
Porcelain
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
Postmodern Silver Plated Brass Jug "Kanye"by Lino Sabattini, Italy, 1978 - 1981
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy by Lino Sabattini, 1978 - 1981 This jug is made in silver plated brass. This is a vintage item, therefore it might show slight traces of use such as its original patina...
Silver, Brass
A Rare 1980s Minimalist Silver Plated Vase by Lino Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini, Sabattini Argenteria
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is an exceptional example of Post-Modern Italian Minimalism from the 1980s, designed by the celebrated silversmith Lino Sabattini. Crafted in silver-plated metal by his own firm...
Silver Plate
Lino SABATTINI - Vaso Cardinale - “ Christofle”France Silver Metal 1950 France
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Milano, IT
Vaso in Silver Plated, modello cardinale, disegnato da LINO SABATTINI, é prodotto da CHRISTOFLE, originale degli anni 50. Perfetto stato di conservazione. Sotto la base impreso CHRISTOFLE - FRANCE e...
Sheffield Plate
$3,800 / set
Three Silverplate Vases by Lino Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A three-piece set of silver plate vases, circa 1970s designed by Lino Sabattini (Italian, born 1925). A minimalist design by celebrated Gio Ponti collaborator and Christofle director...
Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini Persepoli Collezione Vase Signed Italy 1960s
By Lino Sabattini
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Lino Sabattini "Persepoli" Collezione vase made in Italy, circa the 1960s. The silver-plated vase is signed with Lino Sabattini's signature at the bottom right side and is marked "Pe...
Metal
$1,749Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Three Lino Sabattini Pieces for Gallia and Christofle, France, 1970
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Brussels, BE
A set of 3 silver plated pieces, all stamped Galia & Christofle including the "Viking" vase. All designed by L. Sabattini. France around 1970.
Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini Persepoli Collezione Vase Signed Italy 1960s
By Lino Sabattini
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Lino Sabattini "Persepoli" Collezione vase made in Italy, circa the 1960s. The silver-plated vase is signed with Lino Sabattini's signature at the bottom right side and is marked "Pe...
Metal
Lino Sabattini Vase Date, circa 1990
By Lino Sabattini
Located in London, GB
Lino Sabattini Vase Date, circa 1990 A beautiful quality silver plate vase designed with a Japanese influence. For such a tall slender form, the heavy gauge of materials used gives...
Silver Plate
20th Century, Lino Sabattini Vase Model Persepoli in Silvered Metal 1964
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Turin, Turin
Vase model "Persepoli" by Lino Sabattini in Silvered Metal, produced in '70s. Very good condition, as never used, fully original. Presence of the signature as shown in photo.
Metal
1970s Minimalist Silver Plated Sculptural Vase designed by Lino Sabattini
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Striking 1970s Minimalist Silver-Plated Sculptural Vase by Lino Sabattini for Sabattini Argenteria Introduce a piece of iconic Italian design into your collection with this remarkabl...
Silver Plate
Mid-Century L. Sabattini mod. "Stele" Silver-Plated Steel Vase 1963 Italy
By Lino Sabattini, Sabattini Argenteria
Located in Palermo, IT
Stylish "Stele" vase by Lino Sabattini for Argenterie Sabattini, 1963. Made of silver-plated steel, with a lacquered interior. Wear consistent with age and use. Literature: Filippo ...
Metal
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
$663Sale Price|30% Off
Vase Silver Plate Lino Sabatini for Christofle France 1950s Cardinale Model
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Vase silver plate Lino Sabatini for Christofle France 1950s Cardinale Model.
Silver Plate
Moritz Lino Sabattini Silver Plated Murano Glass Italian Design Vase
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Brescia, IT
Moritz Lino Sabattini Italy, 1990 Silver Plated and Murano Base Signed Sabattini
Metal
"Cardinali" Lino Sabattini by Christofle Design Midcentury 1950s Silver Vases
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Brescia, IT
"Cardinali" Vases design Lino Sabattini Christofle Gallia 1950s Silver metal Very good condiction Measures: H 37 cm H 21 cm.
Metal
Huge "Tasca" Porcelain Vase by Lino Sabattini for Rosenthal, Italy, 1980s
By Lino Sabattini, Rosenthal
Located in Milan, IT
Huge "Tasca" porcelain vase by Lino Sabattini for Rosenthal. Matte finish and still contemporary shape.
Porcelain
Lino Sabattini Cormorana Silver Plate Sculptural Modernist Vase or Candlestick
By Lino Sabattini
Located in North Miami, FL
A piece of Italian sculpture and art for the table in this elongated sculptural form of a vase or candlestick. Signed Sabbattini Italy, the arched sides give it even more length in v...
Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini Glass and Silver Plated Solifleur Vases, Set of Two
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Beautiful set of two vases "Solifleur" Made in Italy by Lino Sabattini of highest craftsmanship. Both Vases are signed ( see pictures) The lower parts are made of shiny transparent ...
Metal, Silver Plate
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
Postmodern Tusca Vase by Lino Sabattini for Rosenthal, 1980s
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Uppsala, SE
This is the smallest model of the Tusca vase series, designed by Lino Sabattini and produced by Rosenthal in the 1980s. The white porcelain vase features a silver coloured motif and ...
Porcelain
$2,080Sale Price|20% Off
Lino Sabattini Silver plated "Persepolis" Vase
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Chicago, IL
Lino Sabattini Silver plated "Persepolis" Vase made in Italy,1960 Stamped lower right side: Lino Sabattini etched signature Persepolis B/237 COLLEZIONE SABATTINI BREGNANO ITALY D...
Metal
Lino Sabattini Italy Vase "Persepoli" Limited Edition 8/237
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Toledo, OH
Lio Sabattini "Persepoli" limited edition vase 8/237 Italy.
Metal
20th Century Lino Sabattini Centerpiece Model Baja in Silvered Metal 1973
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Turin, Turin
Centerpiece model "Baja" by Lino Sabattini in Silvered Metal, produced in '70s. Very good condition, as never used, fully original. Presence of the signature with name of the model.
Metal
$2,080Sale Price|20% Off
Lino Sabattini, Rare Prototype of the Costrutto Vase, Superego, Italy
By Lino Sabattini
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Prototype of the Costrutto vase, by Lino Sabattini in black enameled ceramic. Signed by the artist. Prototype for Superego production, Asti. Date of creation: 2008.
Ceramic
Espansione Libero Verde, Lino Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Uccle, BE
Vase consisting of a base in the form of a large saucer in silvered metal in which a very clear green glass expansion has been blown. The blown...
Glass