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.
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
"Conch-Table" Fish Serving Dish by Lino Sabattini for Sabattini Argenteria, 1970
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Milan, IT
Conch-table fish serving dish by Lino Sabattini for Sabattini Argenteria. Part of the unlimited research on table ware made by Lino Sabattini along ...
Silver Plate
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
"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
Postmodern Sabattini Sheffield Plated Metal and Ceramic Serving Plate, Italy
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy. This is a great Sheffield plated metal and lacquered ceramic serving dish / vide-poche. Its simple design was created by Lino Sabattini in Italy, circa 1970s. This is...
Metal, Sheffield Plate
Silver Plate Warmer by Lino Sabattini for Sabattini Argenteria, Italy, 1980s
By Lino Sabattini, Sabattini Argenteria
Located in Milan, IT
Warmer by Lino Sabattini for Sabattini Argenteria. Sleek base hosts a movable candle holder. Original packaging available.
Silver Plate
Raymor 1950s Black Wire Serving Stand and Bowl
By Raymor
Located in New York, NY
Raymor two-tiered black wire serving stand with handle, with matching circular pedestal bowl. Bowl measures 6 inches height x 14 inches diameter.
Metal
$697
H 1.78 in W 21.26 in D 14.38 in
French Riviera Serving Tray in Rattan and Hand-Woven Wicker, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful rectangular organic serving tray fully made in bamboo, rattan and hand-woven wicker. This gorgeous French Riviera style tray was hand-made in Italy during the 1970s. This...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Wedgewood Gravy Boat
By Wedgewood
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
Of typical form signed and embossed on the bottom. Fine condition
Porcelain
$721
H 2.76 in W 18.12 in D 18.12 in
Centerpiece Serving Tray Ice Effect Lucite Nickel Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Rome, IT
Centerpiece serving tray in ice effect Lucite and nickel frame attributed to the Italian designer Willy Rizzo, circa 1970.
Metal, Nickel
$1,490 / item
H 15 in Dm 1.5 in
fferrone Contemporary Minimal Decorative Dark St. Steel Serving Tray Centerpiece
By Felicia Ferrone
Located in Chicago, IL
With strong minimal architectural forms emphasizing the tension between positive and negative space, the contemporary Maison collection is comprised of a serving tray, medium bowl, and tall bowl. Perfect as centerpieces or as home accessories each one is handcrafted of stainless steel and darkened giving the finish its depth of color. Modern and minimal in it's rigorous lines which make the Maison collection very architectural. The Maison Tray is perfect for a living on a table or ottoman. Designed by: Felicia Ferrone, 2016 Handcrafted: USA material • hand darkened stainless steel type • tray...
Stainless Steel
$1,684
H 1.19 in Dm 17.33 in
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
Palms Center Table Serving Piece
Located in Paris, FR
Serving piece palms center table with 2 plates and base in enameled porcelain. With solid bronze structure and details in vintage finish. Elegant piece.
Bronze
$1,082 / set
H 2.76 in Dm 5.52 in
1980s Lino Sabattini Minimalist Set of Twelve Ice Cream Cup and Plates
By Lino Sabattini, Sabattini Argenteria
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Rare 1980s Lino Sabattini Minimalist Set of Twelve Silver-Plated Ice Cream Cups and Plates - Made in Italy Discover the understated elegance of Italian modernist design with this rem...
Silver Plate
$395
H 4.25 in W 7 in D 3.25 in
Vintage Christofle Victorian Silver Plated Small Sauce Gravy Boat with Handle
By Christofle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Christofle Victorian Silver Plated Small Sauce Gravy Boat with Handle. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 4.25" H x 7" W x 3.25" D.
Silver Plate
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
English Silver Plate Tableware Serving Piece
By Sheffield Silver Co.
Located in Tarry Town, NY
English silver plate tableware/ barware serving piece with squirrel handle resting on a round base with interior swirl design details. The centerpiece is in great condition. Maker's ...
Silver Plate
$348
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
Sold
H 7.88 in W 7.88 in D 3.15 in
Three 1980s Modernist Silver Plated and Glass Serving Pieces by Lino Sabattini
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This silver-plated set designed by Lino Sabattini is composed of a cruet for oil and vinegar with crystal glass ampoules, one cheese bowl, and a salt and pepper shaker. The dimension...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 5.12 in Dm 12.6 in
Postmodern Lino Sabattini Silver-Plated and White Ceramic Serving Bowl, Italy
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This is a great silver plated metal and lacquered ceramic serving bowl. Its simple design was created by Lino Sabattini in Italy, circa 1970s. This is a vintag...
Metal, Silver Plate
Sold
H 3.15 in W 18.51 in D 10.63 in
Postmodern Lino Sabattini Silver-Plated and Ceramic Serving Plate, Italy
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This is a great silver plated metal and lacquered ceramic serving dish. Its simple design was created by Lino Sabattini in Italy, circa 1970s. This is a vintag...
Metal, Silver Plate
Sold
H 2.37 in W 5.71 in D 4.93 in
Postmodern Lino Sabattini Silver-Plated and Ceramic Cheese Bowl with Spoon
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This is a silver plated metal and lacquered ceramic cheese bowl. Its simple design was created by Lino Sabattini. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might...
Metal, Silver
Sold
H 1.97 in W 15.75 in D 12.6 in
Postmodern Lino Sabattini Silver-Plated and Glass Serving Plate or Trivet, Italy
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This is a great silver plated metal and glass serving dish, which can also be used as a trivet. Its simple design was created ...
Metal
Silver Plated "Stairs" Coffee/Tea Set by Lino Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This stunning 5 piece Lino Sabattini "Stairs" coffee/tea set is silver plated and sits atop a mirrored silver tray. Comprised of a coffee pot, a tea pot, a cream pitcher and a sugar ...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 1.97 in W 15.75 in D 12.6 in
Midcentury Lino Sabattini Silver-Plated and Glass Serving Plate or Trivet, Italy
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
1960s. This is a great silver plated glass serving dish, which can also be used as a trivet. Its simple design was created by Lino Sabattini in Italy, circa 1960s. This is a vint...
Glass
Sbattini Tray
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Milan, IT
Sabattini tray
Silver Plate
Sold
H 2 in W 19.5 in D 10 in
Mid-Century Modern Lino Sabattini Silver Plated Pair of Serving Plates, 1960s
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a great, Lino Sabattini, pair of silver plated glass serving dishes, made in Italy, circa 1960s. In excellent vintage condition. The dimensions of the recta...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 3.5 in W 8 in D 8 in
Mid-Century Modern Lino Sabattini Silver Plated Serving Dishes Set, 1960s, Italy
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a lovely set of silver plated serving dishes, by Lino Sabattini, made in Italy, circa 1960s. In excellent vintag...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 2.75 in W 12.5 in D 7.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Lino Sabattini Silver Plated Chaffing Dish Tongs 1960s, Italy
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a fantastic, Lino Sabattini, silver plated chaffing dish with tongs, made in Italy, circa 1960s. In excellent vintage condition...
Ceramic
Sold
H 2.96 in W 9.06 in D 9.06 in
"Estro" Bowl and Spoon Sauceboat Italian Silvered Metal by Lino Sabattini, 1973
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Uccle, BE
A rare large sauceboat designed and manufactured by Lino Sabattini in 1973 This item can be used as a vide poches or a bonbonnière it's like a sculpture Silvered metal You can pl...
Metal