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Piero Fornasetti Tables

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
Piero Fornasetti Sole Brass Tripod Side Table
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Munich, DE
Eine eleganter Beistelltisch entworfen von Piero Fornasetti in den 1970s und wurde designt mit einem Sonnen Motiv auf lackierten Holzplattealtte und einem dreibeinigen Messinggestell...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Brass

FORNASETTI Cigar Humidor
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian wooden cigar humidor box with cammei design on faux marble / made in Milan Italy in the 1980s Original labels inside and on the base Measures: width 12 inches, depth ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Wood

Piero Fornasetti Italian Cameo Medallion Coffee Table
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Unique mid century modern Italian coffee table by Piero Fornasetti. Cameo medallions gold leaf on white lacquered wood. Tripod black enamel metal base. Verso beats a stamp of Piero F...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Metal

FORNASETTI Two Tier Tray Table
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian table with two removable trays in lacquered wood and faux bamboo patinated brass base / made in Milan Italy in the 1950s Original Fornasetti labels on the base of tra...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Brass

Piero Fornasetti Large Chinoiserie Tray c1950
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in London, GB
Large Fornasetti tray . c1950 Printed label Fornasetti Milano,
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Metal

Pair Italian Midcentury Lacquer & Screenprint Side Tables by Piero Fornasetti
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Important Pair of Italian midcentury Side or End Tables by Piero Fornasetti. The pieces are beautiful compositions of form and design in the Modern Neoclassical aesthetic....
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Iron, Brass

1970s Table by Piero Fornasetti Depicting "Sun King" 'Louis XIV', Made in Italy
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous round table by Piero Fornasetti depicting in gold color "Sun King" (Louis XIV) on the black lacquered wood top, with black metal base and hexagonal brass connectors, t...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Small Dining Table by Piero Fornasetti, Italy
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Small Dining Table by Piero Fornasetti, Italy
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Metal

Side Table, Piero Fornasetti, circa 1950
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Berlin, DE
This unusual, filigree side table was created by the Italian designer Piero Fornasetti. He focused in particular on the surface design of his works with his unusual hand drawings. He...
Category

1950s Vintage Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Brass

"Uccelli Nella Gabbia" Brass Tripod Side Table by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous collectors item is a 'Uccelli Nella Gabbia' (Caged Birds in Italian) side table by Piero Fornasetti, signed underneath with its original label. This side table is made ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Brass

Coffee table with tray by Piero Fornasetti 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Torino, IT
Coffee table with brass legs and pull-out tray by Piero Fornasetti 1960s
Category

1960s Vintage Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Italian Modern Center Table By Fornasetti
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern Center Table By Fornasetti. We offer this original Italian mid century modern center by Piero Fornasetti featuring an iron base, brass feet and a decorated lacquered w...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Brass, Iron

'Strumenti Musicali' Drinks / Side Tables by Piero Fornasetti, c 1970s, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These gorgeous collectors items are the 'Strumenti Musicali' (Musical Instruments in Italian) side tables by Piero Fornasetti, signed underneath with original labels. Priced individu...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Brass

Piero Fornasetti “Strumenti Musicali” Coffee Table
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Artist/Designer: Piero Fornasetti (Italian, 1913-1988); Fornasetti Additional Information: We would like to thank Barnaba Fornasetti, who assisted in confirming the table’s design a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Piero Fornasetti Tray and Stand with Butterfly Motif
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in New York, NY
Removable Piero Fornasetti tray with a foldable stand. Screen printed butterfly motif. Original label on the back of the tray. Condition: Excellent vintage condition, minor wear c...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Metal

Vintage Piero Fornasetti Rectangular Metal Tray, named Città di Carte
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vintage, rare Piero Fornasetti Rectangular Tray: Città di Carte. Like all Fornasetti accessories, the tray is handcrafted using original artisan...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Metal

Piero Fornasetti, Coffee Table, brass, Metal, Mahogany, Italy, 1950s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in High Point, NC
A lithographic-print transfer wood, mahogany, brass and metal coffee table or cocktail table, designed and produced by Piero Fornasetti, I...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

'Cammei' Silver Cameos Motif Side Table by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous collectors item is a 'Cammei' (Cameos in Italian) side table by Piero Fornasetti, signed underneath with its original label. This side table is made with lacquered wood...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Folding Tray Table "City of Cards", Piero Fornasetti, Italy, 1950s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Firenze, IT
Midcentury folding coffee table. Fantasia “Città delle Carte” (City of Cards). The rarest and most fascinating Fornasetti’s pattern. Piero Fornasetti, Italy, 1950s French la...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vintage Italian Piero Fornasetti Cocktail Table
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage Piero Fornasetti coffee table, Milano, Italy. Graphic patchwork design with triangles and chevrons - lithographic transfer on wood. Brass finish patinated metal base. La...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Metal

PIero Fornasetti Coffe Table
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Coffe table by Piero Fornasetti Black and white Architectura series Italy circa 1960 Stamped with original sticker Black lacquered feet with brass details.  
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Brass, Iron

Piero Fornasetti Wicker Cornucopia with Flowers, Roses and Pomegranates Tray
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milan, IT
Piero Fornasetti Cornucopia with Flowers early serving tray. Original Label. Featuring a Wicker Cornucopia holding Flowers, Roses, Pomegranates and...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Metal

Vintage Italian Piero Fornasetti "Cammei" Coffee Table
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Piero Fornasetti "Cammei" coffee table composed of a lithographic transfer with cameo motif on lacquered wood supported by a black enameled-steel base with brass, adjustable feet (ca...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Brass, Enamel, Steel

Piero Fornasetti Coffee Table-Neoclassical Bordo Bassorilievo Pattern
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti Bordo Bassorilievo pattern coffee table, circa 1955. The table is decorated with painting and lithographic transfer-pri...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Piero Fornasetti Tables

Materials

Wood

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Previously Available Items
Coffee table « Butterflies » by Piero Fornasetti
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rare coffee table in lacquered wood, model « Butterflies » by Piero Fornasetti for Fornasetti Milano, Italy circa 1953
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1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Tables

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20thC Occasional Table With Flower Motif By Piero Fornasetti, Made In Italy
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A striking 20th Century large occasional table or side table by the celebrated Italian designer Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy. The table's surface features a vibrant flower motif, ...
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20th Century Italian Other Piero Fornasetti Tables

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1970s Astonishing Oval Metal Tray By Piero Fornasetti. Made in Italy
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Astonishing oval metal tray by Piero Fornasetti. Made in Italy It's in excellent condition and is signed at the bottom. Dimension: 20,47" x 16,14" x 1,57 H inches cm 52 x cm 41...
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1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Tables

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Piero Fornasetti & Gio Ponti Demi-Secretaire 1990s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Astoria, NY
Piero Fornasetti (Italian, 1913-1988) and Gio Ponti (Italian, 1891-1979) vintage Demi-Secretaire from the 'Architettura' series, designed ca.1950, executed circa 1990s, with Fornaset...
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Occasional Table by Piero Fornasetti
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Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare original side table by Piero Fornasetti with Roman coin motif. Made in Milan, Italy circa 1960s.
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Piero Fornasetti Wood and Brass Folding Trolley, Italy, 1950s
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Located in Milan, IT
Piero Fornasetti wood and brass Folding trolley, Italy 1950s The trays depict a horse near a lake and wild vegetation scenery. Original labels
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Piero Fornasetti "Strumenti Musicali" Brass Tripod Side Table, Italy 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Naples, IT
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Piero Fornasetti “Costantinopoli” Brass Wood Metal, 1950, Italy
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
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Fornasetti Table
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in San Francisco, CA
This gorgeous collectors item is a 'Farfalle' (Butterflies in Italian) side table by Piero Fornasetti, signed underneath with its original label. This side table is made with lacquer...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Tables

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Fornasetti Table
Fornasetti Table
H 21.5 in Dm 14.5 in
'Butterflies' Drinks Table / Side Table by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous collectors item is a 'Farfalle' (Butterflies in Italian) side table by Piero Fornasetti, signed underneath with its original label. This side table is made with lacquered wood that has a butterflies over red background motif and is affixed on top of a brass tri-pod base that is removable for easy and economical shipping or transport. This table has been completely restored, the top has been re-lacquered with a French Polish clear coat which protects the finish / surface and the artwork below as well adding greater vibrancy and depth to the colors and the brass legs have been gently polished. Some signs of age and patina still present underneath the finish which adds to the beauty of this simple yet beautiful piece. The 'Farfalle' aka 'Butterflies' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe". This rare piece is sought after by interior designers and collectors alike. Perfect piece to add a little splash of whimsy and intrigue into your interior decor. With Zoom meetings from home now a commonplace daily activity - portable side tables are so much more valuable to possess... impress your friends and colleagues with this gorgeous Fornasetti Butterflies side table...
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Piero Fornasetti Chiavi Side Table, Lacquered Wood and Brass, 1960s
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A gorgeous collector's Chiavi (Keys in Italian) occasional table by Piero Fornasetti, signed underneath with its original label. A whimsical drinks table with trompe l'oeil art work ...
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Piero Fornasetti Side Table, Lacquered Wood and Brass, 1960s
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Located in Miami, FL
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Piero Fornasetti tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Piero Fornasetti tables are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Piero Fornasetti tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original tables by Piero Fornasetti were created in the mid-century modern style in italy during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider tables by Luigi Caccia Dominioni, Enzo Mari, and Luigi Massoni. Prices for Piero Fornasetti tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,450 and can go as high as $21,700, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,103.
Questions About Piero Fornasetti Tables
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Piero 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, 2024
    Piero 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, 2022
    Whether 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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