Modern Serving Pieces
MODERN STYLE
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
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Style: Modern
Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Sardines
By Les Ottomans
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Make a bold statement with our hand-painted iron decorative tray, featuring sardines on a blue background. Perfect for display, this tray adds a touch of the seaside to any space. In...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Iron
Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Seashell
By Les Ottomans
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Make a bold statement with our hand-painted iron decorative tray, featuring a seashell on a bright pink background. Perfect for display, this tray adds a touch of the beach to any sp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Iron
Saint Jacques Hand-Painted Ceramic Tray Made in Italy
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Enhance your summer entertaining with the elegant Ceramic Saint Jacques Platter. Expertly handcrafted and beautifully hand-painted in Italy, this platter feature distinctive scallope...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Ceramic
Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Fish
By Les Ottomans
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Make a bold statement with our hand-painted iron decorative tray, featuring fish on a dark background. Perfect for display, this tray adds a touch of the beach to any space. Intended...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Iron
Whimsical French Fish Serving Tray
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a striking and whimsical fish-shaped serving piece, crafted in France, as indicated by the hallmark stamped into the metal. The platter itself is a combination of richly tone...
Category
20th Century French Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Stainless Steel
Stunning Silver Plated Serving Tray by Emilia Castillo, Mexico 1980's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your dining experience with this exquisite Stunning Silver Plated Serving Tray designed and manufactured in Taxco, Mexico by Emilia Castillo, crafted in Mexico in the 1980's....
Category
1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver, Copper
Large "Agave" Serving Tray in Silver Plate & Malachite by Emilia Castillo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage serving tray designed and manufactured in Mexico by Emilia Castillo and part of the "Agave" collection.
The piece is made in solid copper and silver plated, accented with a ...
Category
1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Malachite, Silver Plate, Copper
Valle Set, Bar Champagne Bucket, Tray & Pitcher, Silver Alpaca & Horn
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
This family is inspired by the forms and figures shaped by the wind of the Moon Valley (in the province of San Juan, in the North of Argentina). It comes from this magical and inspir...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Contemporary Silver Plated Ice Bucket Sculptural Feet Carved by Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Designed as part of a collection for the Venice Biennale, the Ice Cooler epitomizes Natalia Criado’s fusion of Colombian symbolism and Italian artistry. The "exotic" three feet that ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Brass, Silver Plate
Porteño Large Black/Cream Hand Painted Wood and Alpaca Silver Tray
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The urban and cosmopolitan Porteño family carries the spirit of the ones born in Buenos Aires city or “Porteño”, as they are commonly known. Its boxes, trays and flower vases have a ...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Wood
Jujuy Small Round Champagne Bucket, Silver Alpaca and Horn
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
This family is created with the inspiration of the beautiful province of Jujuy, in the North of Argentina, and the nature of its fertile valley. It is the first line of our collectio...
Category
2010s South American Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Metal
New Modern Tray in Black Marquina Marble, creator Ivan Colominas
Located in Milan, IT
An essential, Minimalist tray that easily lends itself to multiple uses. At the table, in the kitchen, in the dining room. In simlicity is beauty.
Size: 40 x 2.2 cm, smooth finishing, stain treatment compatible with food. Commercial name: Nysiros, Materia e Tavola Collection by Ivan Colominas, Spanish Designer. Also available in White Michelangelo Marble. Made in Italy, hand finished.
Mmairo loves wining and dining, good food and entertaining...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Marble
Mamasita Jug / Pitcher, Handmade in Portugal
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Mamasita Jug in White
Designed by Project 213A in 2021
Handmade Stoneware
Waterproof
This elegantly sculpted jug features a continued opening and took inspiration from a collapsed vase...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Dish in Black Marquinia Marble by Ivan Colominas, Italy, Stock
Located in Milan, IT
Sculptural, bright white, well-defined and multi-fold. Colominas has created a table service inspired by Angelo Mangiarotti’s soft lines, exalting the shape and structure of objects ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Marble
Lacquered Wooden Tray with Handles – Seashell
By Les Ottomans
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Bold and playful, this lacquered wooden tray features a vibrant green background adorned with a striking seashell motif. Finished with a smooth, glossy surface and practical cut-out ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Wood
Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Giraffe
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Bring vibrant charm to your decor with our hand-painted iron tray, featuring a giraffe design on a teal blue background. Perfect for adding a playful yet sophisticated touch to coffe...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Iron
Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Cheetah
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Make a bold statement with our hand-painted iron tray, featuring a striking cheetah design on a sleek black background. Perfect for adding a touch of wild elegance to coffee tables, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Iron
Elephant Pink Handpainted Iron Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Handpainted Elephant iron tray
this product is unique and handmade and can be used as a serving tray of just as a decorative item
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Iron
Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Yellow Zebra
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Bring vibrant charm to your decor with our hand-painted iron tray, featuring a striking zebra design on a bold yellow background. Perfect for adding a playful yet sophisticated touch...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Iron
Stainless Steel "Houston" Flatware by Ralph Lauren
By Ralph Lauren
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and hard to find set of "Houston" stainless steel flatware by Ralph Lauren, circa 1990s. The set consists of five pieces and there are six place settings for a total of 30 ...
Category
Late 20th Century Korean Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Stainless Steel
Contemporary Silver Plated Perla Cup White Handcrafted Italy by Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Elevate your daily tea or coffee ritual with our exquisite Perla cup. Handcrafted with plated brass, its geometric silhouette narrows at the base for a sleek and minimal aesthetic. T...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Gold Plate, Brass
Riedel Mesa Silver Plate and Crystal Caviar Bowl Dish Chiller, circa 1980
Located in Atlanta, GA
Crafted by the visionary Claus Josef Riedel, this rare, striking Mid-Century modern caviar serving bowl embodies sophistication and elegance. Designed for the esteemed Riedel-Mesa co...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Crystal, Silver Plate, Metal
Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Palm Tree
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Add a tropical touch to your decor with our hand-painted iron tray, featuring a stunning palm tree design on a serene blue background. Perfect for coffee tables, shelves, or wall dis...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Iron
Contemporary Modern, Esnaf Pink Party Platter
By DAY Studio
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Esnaf collection is inspired by the ever-curios carts and tools of street vendors of Istanbul. The collection takes its cues from the colorful and quirky geometric compositions of th...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Sheet Metal
Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Red Zebra
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Bring vibrant charm to your decor with our hand-painted iron tray, featuring a striking zebra design on a bold red background. Perfect for adding a playful yet sophisticated touch to...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Iron
Solid Oak Serving Tray Set – EDGE
Located in Orlando, FL
The EDGE Series Wooden Serving Tray Set brings together natural beauty, functionality, and minimalist design in a refined collection made for both serving and decorating. Crafted wit...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Wood, Oak
Saint Jacques Hand-Painted Ceramic Bowl Made in Italy
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Enhance your summer entertaining with the elegant Ceramic Saint Jacques Salad Bowl. Expertly handcrafted and beautifully hand-painted in Italy, this feature distinctive scalloped-edge detailing inspired by the iconic Saint Jacques seashell. The charming design and artisanal craftsmanship make them a perfect choice for stylish outdoor dining or festive indoor gatherings.
Ideal for serving fresh seafood, pasta and salads, these plates add a touch of Mediterranean flair and sophistication to your table...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Ceramic
Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Cactus
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Make a bold statement with our hand-painted iron decorative tray. Perfect for display, this tray adds a touch of wild elegance and artistic flair to any space. Intended for decorativ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Iron
Eye Birch Wood Serving Tray Dark Green
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
The eye is a multicultural symbol of sheltering and protection
Made of birch wood
Measures: 32 x 15cm.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Romanian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Wood
Sphere 5-Piece Flatware Set in Bronze
Located in Richmond, VA
The re-issued 5 piece Sphere flatware set in bronze by Izabel Lam. Each piece features an undulating handle and hammered textured knob on end. Impressed abo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Bronze
Hand-Painted Iron Tray - Agave
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Make a bold statement with our hand-painted iron decorative tray. Perfect for display, this tray adds a touch of wild elegance and artistic flair to any space. Intended for decorativ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Iron
Hands Birchwood Serving Tray Green
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
The hand means protection, sherltering and cosyness
made of birchwood
Measures: 32 x 15cm.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Romanian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Wood
Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Flowers
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Add a bold and artistic touch to your decor with our hand-painted iron tray, featuring an intricate flower design. Perfect for display on coffee tables, shelves, or as wall art, this...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Iron
Villeroy & Boch Avant Garde Stainless Steel One Flatware Set Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
This modernist and avant garden Villeroy & Boch service for one stainless steel flatware set was made in West Germany in 1971 It is hallmarked on the back of each piece. It was part of a collection that was designed by the duality of Helen Von Both and Frederico Fabbrini and was part of the La Bomba...
Category
1970s German Vintage Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Stainless Steel
Fish Service in Bakelite and Stainless Steel, Maison Guy Degrenne, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Fish service in Bakelite and stainless steel, Maison Guy Degrenne, XXth Century.
Fish service in Bakelite and intox, perfect condition, 1980, from the House of Guy Degrenne, Goldsmi...
Category
20th Century French Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Stainless Steel
Saint Jacques Hand-Painted Dinner Plates - Set of 4 Made in Italy
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Enhance your summer entertaining with the elegant Ceramic Saint Jacques Plates. Expertly handcrafted and beautifully hand-painted in Italy, these plates feature distinctive scalloped...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Ceramic
21st Century Italian Solid Silver Cruet in the Shape of a Watering Can
Located in VALENZA, IT
Nice cruet in solid 800 silver. Completely handmade, it faithfully reproduces the shape of a watering can. It can be used for pouring other types of liquids or sauces.
Very elegant ...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver
Contemporary Hand Blown Glass "Bonsai Teapot" Tree Nature Elegant Ceremony Calm
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
Introducing the Bonsai Teapot, a stunning hand-blown glass creation by the talented Simone Crestani. This exquisite teapot is a distinguished piece from the captivating Nature Collec...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Glass
Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Bear
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Add a bold and artistic touch to your decor with our hand-painted iron tray, featuring an intricate bear design. Perfect for display on coffee tables, shelves, or as wall art, this t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Iron
Hand-Painted Iron Trays - Zodiac Set of 2
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Celebrate the cosmos with our set of hand-painted iron trays, each intricately featuring the Zodiac signs. Perfect for decorative use, these trays bring astrological charm and artist...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Iron
Saint Jacques Hand-Painted Salad Plates - Set of 4 Made in Italy
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Enhance your summer entertaining with the elegant Ceramic Saint Jacques Plates. Expertly handcrafted and beautifully hand-painted in Italy, these plates feature distinctive scalloped...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Ceramic
Valle Large Silver Alpaca & Cream Onyx Stone Bar Champagne Bucket
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
This family is inspired by the forms and figures shaped by the wind of the Moon Valley (in the province of San Juan, in the North of Argentina). It comes from this magical and inspir...
Category
2010s South American Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Rosenthal Andy Warhol featuring Beethoven Glass Plate
By Rosenthal, Andy Warhol
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Rosenthal Glass Plate, featuring Beethoven by
Andy Warhol, quite possibly the greatest pop art artist of our time.
Shortly before his death in 1987, Warhol created a serie of portr...
Category
1980s German Vintage Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Glass, Cut Glass
Pagoda Wooden Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
A very unique piece that can be used as a serving tray or a decoratuon piece for your coffee table.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Romanian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Wood
Tray Hand Carved from Solid Block of White Marble, Rectangular, Made in Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
Tray or serving plates carved by hand from a solid block of white Calacatta marble. Tray dimensions: L 40, W 29.5, H 2 cm, available in different marbles and onyx.
Marble is a natur...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Marble
1985 Iconic Alessi Sugar Bowl + Creamer designed by Michael Graves
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1985 Iconic Alessi sugar bowl and creamer designed by Michael Graves.
Made Taiwan
Stainless Steel
Creamer 5 x 4 w x 2.5 h
Sugar 5 x 4 x 3.63 h
Original sugar spoon is included. ...
Category
1980s Taiwanese Vintage Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Stainless Steel
Eyes Serving Wood Trays Set of 5
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
The eye has always been a symbol of protection and sheltering
here a set of 5 'EYES' birch wood trays
Size: 15 x 32cm.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Romanian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Wood
Modern Hand Blown "Coral Triple Glass Upstand" Nature Sea Creatures Reef Ocean
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
A Hand-Blown Glass Upstand by Simone Crestani
Coral Triple Upstand is one of the pieces from the Coral Collection.
This remarkable piece is inspired by the intricate beauty of cora...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Glass
JUJUY Medium Pitcher, Silver Alpaca and Horn
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
This family is created with the inspiration of the beautiful province of Jujuy, in the North of Argentina, and the nature of its fertile valley. It is the first line of our collectio...
Category
2010s South American Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Metal
Set Valle Medium & Large Silver Alpaca & Horn Bar Champagne Buckets
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Dimensions :
50 x 30 x 23 cm//19.6" x 11.8" x 9"
37 x 21 x 21cm//14.5" x 8.2" x 8.2"
This family is inspired by the forms and figures shaped by the wind of the Moon Valley (in t...
Category
2010s South American Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Valle Medium Silver Alpaca & Cream Onyx Stone Bar Champagne Bucket
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
This family is inspired by the forms and figures shaped by the wind of the Moon Valley (in the province of San Juan, in the North of Argentina). It comes from this magical and inspir...
Category
2010s South American Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Crystal "Atlas" Trinket Box Tiffany & Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous crystal "Atlas" lidded trinket box and by Tiffany & Co. circa 1990's. The box is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 6.5"W x 4"D x 2"H. Co...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Crystal
Full Moon Small Copper Tray by Elisa Ossino
By Elisa Ossino
Located in Milan, IT
Full Moon is a small circular copper tray and it is part of the Lunar landscape collection designed by Elisa Ossino, who conceived for Paola C. a tableware collection, revisiting the...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Copper
Ghidini 1961 Tip Top Small Paper Basket in Gold by Richard Hutten
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Paper basket in openwork steel.
When you look at the top view of the Tip Top series, all the triangles have the same size. In 3D these triangles have been stretched, which creates a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Stainless Steel
Mexican Modernist Silver Tray by Antonio Pineda
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Mexican modernist sterling silver tray by well known silversmith Antonio Pineda (1919-2009). The handsome silver tray with a subtle hammered surface was crown marked by the artist's logo circa 1953-1979, made in his studio in Taxco, Mexico. It was further stamped with Eagle 17 and Hecho en Mexico / 930. The oval tray presents itself with an abstract design with a leaf-like handle with a string of beaded...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver
Italian modern Chromed metal nutcracker by Paolo Salvi for Mark B, 1970s
By Paolo Salvi
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Chromed metal nutcracker by Paolo Salvi for Mark B, 1970s
Table nutcracker with round base in chromed metal. The cylindrical structure...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Metal
JUJUY Medium Round Champagne Bucket, Silver Alpaca and Horn
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
This family is created with the inspiration of the beautiful province of Jujuy, in the North of Argentina, and the nature of its fertile valley. It is the first line of our collectio...
Category
2010s South American Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Metal
Contemporary Cutlery Silver Plated Set Handcrafted in Italy by Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Elevate your dining experience with our Artefacto cutlery set. A fork, spoon, and knife – meticulously crafted from plated brass. Inspired by geometric forms and ornamental symbolism...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Brass
Modern serving pieces for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern serving pieces for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage serving pieces created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern serving pieces made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original serving pieces, popular names associated with this style include Ghidini 1961, Ivan Colominas, Kartell, and Patricia Urquiola. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for serving pieces differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $40 and tops out at $30,579 while the average work can sell for $428.