Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Italian, 1913-1988
The Italian artist and designer Piero Fornasetti was one of the wittiest and most imaginative talents of the 20th century. He crafted an inimitable decorative style from a personal vocabulary of images that included birds, butterflies, hot-air balloons, architecture and — most frequently, and in some 500 variations — an enigmatic woman’s face based on that of Cavalieri. Fornasetti used transfer prints of these images, rendered in the style of engravings, to decorate an endless variety of furnishings and housewares that ranged from chairs, tables and decorative objects to dinner plates, table lamps and umbrella stands. His work is archly clever, often Surrealist and always fun.
Fornasetti was born in Milan, the son of an accountant, and he lived his entire life in the city. He showed artistic talent as a child and enrolled at Milan’s Brera Academy of Fine Art in 1930, but was expelled after two years for consistently failing to follow his professors’ orders.
A group of Fornasetti's hand-painted silk scarves, displayed in the 1933 Triennale di Milano, caught the eye of the architect and designer Gio Ponti, who, in the 1940s, became the artist's collaborator and patron. Beginning in the early 1950s, they created a striking series of desks, bureaus and secretaries that pair Ponti’s signature angular forms with Fornasetti’s decorative motifs — lighthearted arrangements of flowers and birds on some pieces, austere architectural imagery on others. The two worked together on numerous commissions for interiors, though their greatest project has been lost: the first-class lounges and restaurants of the luxury ocean liner Andrea Doria, which sank in 1956.
Fornasetti furnishings occupy an unusual and compelling niche in the decorative arts: they are odd yet pack a serious punch. They act, essentially, as functional sculpture. A large Fornasetti piece such as a cabinet or a desk can change the character of an entire room; his smaller works have the aesthetic power of a vase of flowers, providing a bright and alluring decorative note. The chimerical, fish-nor-fowl nature of Fornasetti’s work may be its greatest strength. It stands on its own. Bringing the Fornasetti look into the future is Barnaba Fornasetti, who took the reins of the company after his father's death.
Find vintage Piero Fornasetti dinner plates, chairs, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Piero Fornasetti
Rhyton - for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Rhyton is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s .
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Grande Torchio Vinario Latino - for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Grande Torchio Vinario Latino - for Martini&Rossi (Great Latin Wine Press - for Martini & Rossi ) is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Marti...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Oinochoe Plate - for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
This Oinochoe is an elegant silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini&Rossi in 1960s .
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Piero Fornasetti Red Strumenti Musicali Music Metal Bookends
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti Red Strumenti Musicali music metal bookends,
Circa 1960.
The Piero Fornasetti L-shaped bookends are decorated with a red-ground...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Anfora Spagnuola Detta "Porron" by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Anfora Spagnuola Detta "Porron" is an elegant silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s .
In excellent condition.
Black and white c...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Grande Mortaio Bronzeo by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Grande Mortaio Bronzeo is an elegant silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s .
In excellent condition.
Black and white ceramic Fo...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Truck Decorated Piero Fornasetti White Glass Jars and Covers Made for Fiat
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Vintage Trucks!
Piero Fornasetti opaque white glass jars and covers with trucks or lorry motif made for Fiat, Six Jars,
circa 1960.
The truck-motif glass jars with lids were ...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Set of P. Fornasetti Decorative Porcelain Plates for Martini & Rossi, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Piero Fornasetti complete collection of twelve decorated and enamelled porcelain plates. Limited edition for Martini & Rossi of Turin, inspired by the main pieces of the Casa Martini...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Capricorn Astrological Sign - Piero Fornasetti Ceramic Zodiac Paperweight
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti Ceramic Pebble Capricorn Zodiac Paperweight,
Titled Capricornus for the Astrological Sign Capricorn,
Circa 1960
The oval ceramic...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Set of Two Plates "Grandi Maestri" by P. Fornasetti, 1967
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Set of two plates "Grandi Maestri" is an original decorative object realized by the Italian artist and designer Piero Fornasetti (Milan, 1909-1988) in 1967.
Made by Fornasetti, Mi...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Italian Fornasetti Ceramic Change Tray
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A ceramic change tray signed by Fornasetti and designed by Piero Fornasetti.
The piece is a compliment to any setting. On a coffee table, bedside...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Piero Fornasetti Hice Holder Brass Metal, 1955, Italy
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
Ice Holder Piero Fornasetti.
Category
1950s Italian Other Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Vintage Moro Head Vase by Piero Fornasetti, Italy, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Magnificent enameled gold ceramic vase by Piero Fornasetti (Milan 1913-1988), considered among the most original and creative talents of the 21st century.
A rare piece depicting the ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Carro Vinario - for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Carro Vinario is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s .
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Alambicco - for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Alambicco per la distillazione dell'alcool is an elegant silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s .
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Il Primo Tino - for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Il Primo Tino - for Martini & Rossi is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s .
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Trozzella - for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Trozzella Leccese - for Martini & Rossi is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s .
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
White and Gold "Piede Romano" Roman Left Foot by Piero Fornasetti
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Doraville, GA
A porceline "Piede Romano" or a left Roman foot in white with gold accents designed by Piero Fornasetti. The foot has an earlier Fornasetti insigna on the...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Il Primo Tino Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Il Primo Tino, for Martini & Rossi is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s.
Excellent conditions: as good as new.
This is a black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, representing the first Martini, Sola & C.gnia Pessio's vat for the vermouth production, described with a golden caption and titled on the front.
Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti logo:
Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Rhyton Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Rhyton is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s.
Excellent conditions: as good as new.
This is a black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, representing the oldest drinking vessel ever found, the Apulian rhyton. With a very detailed golden caption and title on the front of the plate.
Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti logo:
"Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Trozzella Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Trozzella Leccese - for Martini & Rossi is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s.
Excellent conditions: as good as new.
Black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, finely decorated with the illustration of the Apulian Leccese "Trozzella" vase, with the golden explicative text and the title on the front.
Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti's logo.
"Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Lidded Wooden Box with Brass Hinges by Piero Fornasetti
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Doraville, GA
A vintage box with a brass hinged lid. The box was designed by Piero Fornasetti in the 1950s / 1960s. The box is composed of what appears to be a mahogany dovetailed wooden box, bras...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Brass
Fornasetti Gold and White Porcelain Bell
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Winnetka, IL
This is a unique and rare fornasetti gold and white porcelain bell from Italy.
Category
1950s Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Porron Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Porron is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s.
Excellent conditions: as good as new.
This is a b/w ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, representing the Spanish amphora called "porron",
realized to drink wine gracefully. With a very detailed golden caption and title on the front of the plate.
Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti logo:
"Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Skyphos Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Skyphos is an elegant silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s.
In excellent conditions: as good as new.
Black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, finely decorated with the representation of the greek model "Skyphos" vase. Golden explicative text and the title on the front.
Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti logo:
"Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Carro Vinario Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Carro Vinario is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s.
In excellent conditions: as good as new.
Black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, representing wine-carriage, an ancient means of transportation, a real cart preserved in the Pessione Museum. With a golden caption and title on the front.
Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti logo.
"Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Servizio Per Porto Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Servizio per Porto in Argento is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s.
Original title: Servizio per Porto in Argento (Silver Set)
In excellent conditions: as good as new.
Black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, representing a silver set, held in the Pessione Museum, with a golden caption and the title on the front.
Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti logo.
"Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Bookender by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Bookenders is a decorative object realized by Piero Fornasetti, in 1950s.
Metal structure with velvet parts, some parts damaged.
20 x 15 x 13 cm.
Good conditions, some yellowing ...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Beautiful Matchbox / Trinket Box By Piero Fornasetti, Italy, c.1960/70's
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A rare matchbox or trinket box by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy, circa 1960s / 1970s. The lacquered exterior is decorated with a traditional scene of Venice, the interior made with...
Category
20th Century Italian Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Alambicco Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Alambicco per la distillazione dell'alcool is an elegant silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s.
Original title: Alambicco per la...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Kantaros Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Kantaros - for Martini & Rossi is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s.
Excellent conditions: As good as new.
Black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, finely decorated with the illustration of the Apulian "Kantharos" vase. Golden explicative text and the title on the front.
Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti's logo.
"Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Grande Mortaio Bronzeo Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Grande Mortaio Bronzeo, for Martini & Rossi (Large Bronze Mortar - for Martini & Rossi)
is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Oinochoe Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
This Oinochoe is an elegant silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s.
In excellent conditions: as good as new.
Black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, superbly decorated with the bacchante motive take from a Greek "Oinochoe" jar.
Golden caption and the title on the front.
Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti logo.
"Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
20th Century Trinket Box By Piero Fornasetti, Italy, c.1960/70's
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A delightful glove box or trinket box by Piero Fornasetti, circa 1960s / 1970s, with sliding cedar interior, bearing the label 'Trofeo, Selvaggina' to the side of the box. The exteri...
Category
20th Century Italian Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Piero Fornasetti, Set di due scatole da fumo
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Firenze, IT
Piero Fornasetti, Set di due scatole da fumo
Scatole in metallo smaltato e legno disegnate da Piero Fornasetti
Anni 50
Il set è composto da una scatola porta sigari e una scatola ...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Rare Box by Piero Fornasetti from 50's
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Brussels, BE
Rare and original metal Boxe by Piero Fornasetti from 50's, decorated with pipes, with the original package. in very good and original condition, used for matches, cigarettes jewelry...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
20th Century Large Metal Matchbox By Piero Fornasetti, Italy, c.1960
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A delightful matchbox, with an interior comprised of a metal sliding tray, the exterior decorated with five profiles, with highlighted red lips, four of whom smoking, with black cros...
Category
20th Century Italian Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Piero Fornasetti decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Piero Fornasetti decorative objects are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of pottery and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Piero Fornasetti decorative objects, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original decorative objects by Piero Fornasetti were created in the mid-century modern style in italy during the 1960s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider decorative objects by Tommaso Barbi, Salviati, and Marcello Fantoni. Prices for Piero Fornasetti decorative objects can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $195 and can go as high as $10,228, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $963.
Creators Similar to Piero Fornasetti
Questions About Piero Fornasetti Decorative Objects
- Who is Piero Fornasetti?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Piero Fornasetti was an Italian artist and designer born in Milan, Italy, in 1913. In 1950, he founded an atelier in the city, creating furniture and home decorations. Fornasetti died on October 9, 1988. His company, Fornasetti, continues to produce hand-decorated decor under the guidance of his son Barnaba Fornasetti. Find a collection of Fornasetti on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024Piero Fornasetti is famous for his work as a designer. The Italian artist was one of the wittiest and most imaginative talents of the 20th century. Fornasetti crafted an inimitable decorative style from a personal vocabulary of images that included birds, butterflies, hot-air balloons, architecture and — most frequently, and in some 500 variations — an enigmatic woman's face based on that of opera singer Lina Cavalieri. Fornasetti used transfer prints of these images, rendered in the style of engravings, to decorate an endless variety of furnishings and housewares that ranged from chairs, tables and decorative objects to dinner plates, table lamps and umbrella stands. His work is archly clever, often Surrealist and always fun. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Piero Fornasetti pieces.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Whether or not Piero Fornasetti images are in the public domain depends on the image. The artist produced more than 11,000 works during his lifetime. Only some no longer carry a copyright and are in the public domain. Shop a range of Fornasetti on 1stDibs.
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