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.
Silver "Baja" Centerpiece Bowl by Lino Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This oblong silver plated centerpiece bowl is known as the "Baja" by Lino Sabattini. It is stamped "SABATTINNI" on the edge of the bowl and signed "LINO SABATTINO" with "BAJA B/239 C...
Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini rare cruet , oil/vinegar container set , attb to Christofle
By Christofle, Lino Sabattini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great set designed by LINO SABATTINI in stainless steel and glass, with acrylic stopper .Glass marked as well.
Stainless Steel
Pair of Silver Plated Serving Pieces by Lino Sabattini for Argenteria Sabattini
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of serving pieces by Lino Sabattini for Sabattini Argenteria. Thin silver plated frame supporting glass tray and bowls. Size refers to the large piece.
Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini Vase Metal, 1970, Italy
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Milano, IT
Lino Sabattini vase metal, 1970, Italy.
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
Postmodern Lino Sabattini Silver-Plated Metal Serving Plate, Marked, Italy
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s - 1980s. This is a great silver plated metal serving dish. Its simple design was created by Lino Sabattini. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show sli...
Metal, Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini, Large silver-plated centerpiece / tray, Sabattini Italy 1970s
By Lino Sabattini, Sabattini Argenteria
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
Silverplate Thermos by Lino Sabattini for Sabattini Argenteria, Italy, 1970s
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Milan, IT
Minimal thermos by Lino Sabattini for Sabattini Argenteria. Cork element and top cover to be also used as a cup.
Silver Plate
Pair of Christofle Gallia Bottle Pourers by Lino Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Mérida, YU
Pair of Christofle France silver-plated bottle holder 'Gallia' by Lino Sabattini Lino Sabattini (1925-2016), Italian goldsmith and designer. 20th Century Grand French silver-plat...
Silver Plate
"Saulieu" Silver Plated Gravy Boat with Wooden Handle by Lino Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Long Island City, NY
The Saulieu model fat/lean sauce boat, was designed by Lino Sabattini for Christofle in 1964
Silver
"Kon Kao" Silver Plated Centerpiece by Lino Sabattini for Sabattini, Italy, 2000
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Milan, IT
"Kon Kao" bowl by Lino Sabattini. This silver plated and enameled piece shows timeless attitude. Also available another piece from the same collection, see image 3.
Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini, Set of 6 flatware, Christofle, 1957
By Lino Sabattini, Christofle
Located in Rivoli, IT
Set of 6 pieces of cutlery designed by Lino Sabbatini and manufactured by Christofle, France, 1957 Set consisting of - 2 knives -2 forks -2 tablespoons Manufacturer's Brand
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Silver Plate Centerpiece by Lino Sabattini, 1960
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Miami, FL
A modernist centerpiece by Lino Sabattini (1925–2016), one of the most celebrated figures in twentieth-century Italian silver and metalware design. Sabattini's works are known for th...
Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini, Silver Plated Sauce Boat 1960's
By Lino Sabattini, Sabattini Argenteria
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
A rare and very elegant modernist salsero, ready to decorate any event or dinner. Designed by renowned Italian designer Lino Sabattini when he launched 'Argenteria Sabattini' in the ...
Silver