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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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
Silverplate Butter Dish With Lizard & Turquoise Inlay by Emilia Castillo, Mexico
Located in Los Angeles, CA
ver the elegance of this Emilia Castillo silverplate butter dish, featuring a unique hammered design and a stunning silver lizard accent with turquo...
Category
1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Stone, Silver
Contemporary Silver Plated Teapot Stone Handles Handcrafted Italy Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Part of the duality objects collection, mucura, is a harmonious blend of contemporary design's expressive freedom and the profound expertise of silverware workshops. This piece serves as a tribute to traditional goldsmith techniques that are often eclipsed by mass production. Drawing inspiration from pre-columbian art...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Brass, Silver Plate
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
Vintage Silver-Plate and Abalone Fork and Spoon Serving Pieces, Salad Servers
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely pair of vintage silver-plate and abalone salad servers or serving pieces are from the 70's.
They are marked Mexico and there are no other markings. Abalone is always beau...
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver Plate
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
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
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
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
Copper and Brass Fish Poacher Stainless Rack with Decorative Brass Fish Handle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Copper fish Poacher with Stainless interior removable Rack for your favorite Fish! The tops removable lid, has a decorative 3-d Fish handle.
A compliment to the kitchen as a prac...
Category
20th Century Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
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
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
Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Pink Crab
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Bring coastal charm to your space with our hand-painted iron tray, featuring a beautifully detailed blue crab design on a soft dusty pink background. Perfect for adding a playful yet...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Iron
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
Italian modern octagonal brass centerpiece, serving plates or tray, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern octagonal brass centerpiece, serving plates or tray, 1970s.
Large plate or tray entirely made of brass, octagonal in shape, with a border along the entire perimeter of...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Brass
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
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
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
Contemporary Gold Plated Lava Stone Cup Handcrafted Italy by Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Elevate your daily tea or coffee ritual with our exquisite lava cup. Handcrafted with plated brass, its geometric silhouette offers a sleek and minimal aesthetic. The exquisite stone...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Brass, Gold Plate
Modern Stainless Steel & Lucite Flatware Set for Seven Plus by Lifetime Cutlery
By Rialto
Located in San Diego, CA
Modern stainless steel & lucite flatware set for seven plus (52 pieces total) by Rialto Lifetime Cutlery circa, 1980s. The set includes seven forks and...
Category
20th Century North American Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Stainless Steel
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
Ambrosiá Black/Clear/Amber Handmade Crystal Cake Stand – Elegant Serving Piece
Located in Glendale, CA
Introducing the Ambrosiá Handmade Crystal Cake Stand, a breathtaking serving piece that artfully combines black, clear, and amber hues. Expertly ...
Category
2010s Central American Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Crystal
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
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
Set of 6 Crystal Knife Holder - Circa 1980 - Czechoslovakia
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Set of 6 Crystal Knife Holder - Circa 1980 - Czechoslovakia
Table Art - Vintage - Cristal
Measures : 1pc: 8cmx1.5cm H:1.5cm
Material : Cristal
Note ! Scattered chips due to past use.
Category
20th Century Czech Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Crystal
Three 1980s Modernist Silver Plated and Glass Serving Pieces by 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...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver Plate
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
1990s Asian Ceramic Black Triangular Plate
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
1990s Decorative Asian Ceramic Black Triangular Plate
1 h x 8 diameter
Preowned original vintage
Refer to images provided.
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Ceramic
Arthur Court Monkey Palm Leaf Platter Serving Dish Desk Trinket Tray Catch all
By Arthur Court
Located in Wayne, NJ
Rare Arthur Court Monkey Palm or possibly banana Leaf Platter Serving Dish Desk Tray Catchall . Would also be great for a key catch. vanity makeup holder...
Category
1990s American Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Metal
Modernist Chrome Toothpick Holder by Russel Wright for Chase Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice modernist toothpick holder by Russel Wright for Chase & Co., circa 1940s. The piece is in very good condition and measures 3.25" D x 3" H. It is marked "Chase" with compa...
Category
20th Century American Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Chrome
Silver Plated Wine Bottle Holder with Grape
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Silver plated wine bottle holder with grape.
Category
1970s German Vintage Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver Plate
Almas Caviar Bowl
Located in Milan, IT
Inspired by the lavish tableware pieces from the Florentine Renaissance, this caviar bowl with lid will be a stunning addition to a special dinner party. I...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Gold
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
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
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
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
Onyx, Stone, Metal
Pair of Saltcellar and Pepperpot, Christofle house, 20th Century
By Christofle
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Pair of Saltcellar and Pepperpot, Christofle house, 20th century"
Pair of Christofle silver plated salt and pepper shakers with ...
Category
20th Century French Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Metal
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
12 Modern Sterling '.800 Silver' & Multicolored Quartz Ice Tea Spoons
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
12 modern sterling (.800 Silver) & multicolored quartz ice tea spoons. Each one fitted with a 1/2" chunk of natural multi colored crystal set in abstract prong setting, with a long t...
Category
Late 20th Century European Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Quartz, Sterling Silver
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
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
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
Onyx, Stone, Metal
Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Cactus
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Add a bold and artistic touch to your decor with our hand-painted iron tray, featuring an intricate Agave design. Perfect for display on coffee tables, shelves, or as wall art, this ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Iron
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
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
Chrome "Top Hat" Toothpick Holder / Shot Glass Chase Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool chrome "top hat" toothpick Holder / shot glass by Chase Co., circa 1940s. The piece is in good condition and measures 2.625"D x 2"H. It is marked "Chase" with company log...
Category
20th Century American Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Chrome
1940s M Fred Hirsch MFH Elegant Sterling Silver Sugar Creamer Set
By Fred Hirsch
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1940s Vintage M Fred Hirsch MFH elegant sterling silver sugar creamer set
See provided images
Stamped by maker
Measures: 4 tall x 2 di...
Category
1940s American Vintage Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Sterling Silver
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
Silver-Plate Sculptural Salad Servers or Serving Pieces Vintage Pair Of
Located in North Miami, FL
These amazing and sculptural hallmarked hand wrought silver plate serving pieces or salad utensils are like a work of art. These are perfect for serving...
Category
1980s Canadian Vintage Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver Plate
Set of 12 Dessert Forks by Christofle Goldsmith in Paris, 1960-1970.
By Christofle
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of 12 dessert forks by Christofle Goldsmith in Paris, 1960-1970.
Set of 12 silver plated dessert forks in the original box by Christofle G...
Category
20th Century French Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver Plate
Michael Aram Silver Plate Serving Pieces I LOVE YOU Valentines Day Gift
By Michael Aram
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cleaver design by Michael Aram - serving pieces in silver plate that say I 'LOVE' U.
Perfect for your Chef "mate' or as a wedding serving set! Gifts for any bride, groom, or chef!...
Category
20th Century Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver Plate
Set of 9 Christofle Dessert Knives, 20th Century.
By Christofle
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of 9 Christofle dessert knives, 20th century.
Set of 9 silver-plated dessert knives by the Maison Christofle, 1980-1990.
h: 2cm, w: 20cm, d: 1.5cm
Category
20th Century French Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver Plate
Willy Rizzo Drink Trays, Brass, Polished Stainless Steel, Signed
By Willy Rizzo
Located in New York, NY
Willy Rizzo drink trays, brass, polished stainless steel, signed. Great quality large scale handled trays in brass and polished stainless steel, perfect for entertaining. Willy Rizzo...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
Silver Jewish Multi-Tiered Passover Seder Tray
Located in London, GB
Silver Jewish multi-tiered Passover Seder tray
Continental, Early 20th Century
Height 28cm, diameter 37cm
Made for the Jewish religious festival of...
Category
Early 20th Century European Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver
Joseph Heinrichs, New York. Pure Copper and Sterling Silver Platters
Located in San Francisco, CA
Joseph Heinrichs, New York, pure copper and sterling silver platters
Beautiful matching pair of platters by Jos. Heinrichs. Each platter is stamped...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Sterling Silver, Copper
Piatto Piano #3, Side Plate, Black by Ivan Colominas
Located in Geneve, CH
Piatto piano #3 - Side plate - Black by Ivan Colominas
Materia e Tavola Collection
Dimensions: 19 x 1.2 cm
Materials: Nero Marquinia
Also available: Bianco Michelangelo / Bianco Carr...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Marble
Selene Pale Pink Marble Stand by Elisa Ossino
By Elisa Ossino
Located in Milan, IT
Selene is a stand in Rosa Portogallo, a preciuous pale pink kind of marble. This piece is part of the Lunar Landscape designed by Elisa Ossino, who con...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Marble
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.