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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chaircrafted 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
Modernist Chrome and Cobalt Toothpick / Cigarette Holder by Chase Co
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice modernist toothpick / cigarette holder by Russel Wright for Chase & Co., circa 1940s. The stainless steel design features a 3" round cup on a cobalt blue sheet of mirrore...
Category

20th Century American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Chrome

Rosenthal Studio Line Flower Porcelain Covered Sugar Bowl After Andy Warhol
Located in North Miami, FL
This always wonderful porcelain lidded Rosenthal Studio Line colorful flower sugar bowl or bowl is by a design after Andy Warhol. Signed Andy Warhol. The ...
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

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

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

Set Valle Medium & Large Silver Alpaca & Horn Bar Champagne Buckets
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

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 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

Wooden Decorative Board
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Hand-made wooden board This largeshaped board is hand-carved from oak. The boards as an individual or as part of the family will become a key item in every kitchen being decorati...
Category

2010s European Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Walnut

Valle Medium Silver Alpaca & Cream Onyx Stone Bar Champagne Bucket
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

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

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

Paul Evans Pewter Coffee Set, Danish, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
SALE ONE WEEK ONLY "Early Coffee Set" is an exquisite and rare 3-piece pewter coffee set adorned with knobs and handles of rosewood. The set include...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Pewter

Contemporary Server Silver Plated Set Handcrafted in Italy by Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Elevate your dining experience with the Artefacto Spatula. Immerse yourself in the art of serving with grace and elegance using this exquisite spatula, expertly crafted in Italy from...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass, Silver Plate

Exotic Wood Breakfast Serving Tray Macassar and Ebony
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Serving Tray Exotic Zebra Wood Macassar and Ebony Breakfast in Bed Tray 2.5 h x 24.5 w x 14 d Original unrestored vintage condi...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Ebony, Macassar

Lacquered Wooden Tray with Handles – Lobster
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Bold and playful, this lacquered wooden tray features a vibrant red background adorned with a striking lobster motif. Finished with a smooth, glossy surface and practical cut-out han...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

Willy Rizzo Drink Trays, Brass, Polished Stainless Steel, Signed
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

Walnut Serving Tray – EDGE
Located in İzmir, İzmir
The EDGE Series Walnut Serving Tray is thoughtfully designed to offer a natural and elegant presentation experience. Featuring solid walnut wood side panels and a top-quality MDF bas...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Eye Birchwood Serving Tray Burgundy
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
The eye is a multicultural symbol of sheltering and protection made of birchwood Measures: 32 x 15cm.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Romanian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

Eye Birchwood Serving Tray Turquoise
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
The eye is a multicultural symbol of sheltering and protection made of birchwood Measures: 32 x 15cm.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Romanian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

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

Georg Jensen Annual Spoon Collection in Gilt Sterling Silver with Enamel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a thoughtfully cultivated collection of Gold-plated Sterling Silver Spoons from Georg Jensen's 'Annual Blossom' collection, initially designed by Annelise Bjorne and then edi...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

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-edg...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic

Eye Birchwood Serving Tray Sky
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
The eye is a multicultural symbol of sheltering and protection made of Birchwood   Measures: 32 x 15cm.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Romanian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

Modernist Floral Bean-Shaped Plastic Bed Tray, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy in 1970s. This tray is made in plastic and is decorated with a typical 70s motif and colors. It is a vintage item, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Plastic

Valle Large Silver Alpaca & Horn Bar Champagne Bucket
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

New Modern Appetizers or Desserts Tray in White Marble creator Trapani Stock
Located in Milan, IT
Appetizer - dessert tray in white Michelangelo marble Contemporary chefs love to construct their culinary creations to enhance their impact; it’s not difficult therefore, to imagine they also love to create the props. Cristoforo Trapani, chef of Magnolia, the stellar restaurant at the Hotel Byron in Forte dei Marmi, has translated his culinary creativity to design. These two worlds meshed instantly: at the table or on a sideboard, his tiered cake stand PRE, hosts sweet and savoury finger food to be offered to guests in a creative and unexpected way. Magical and elegant appetizers or dessert tray. Five tiers with smooth and welcoming surfaces accommodate amuse-bouche and small delights. PRE will define aperitifs and banquets. Size: 30 x 44 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: PRE, Magnolia Table Collection by the Michelin Star...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

JUJUY Medium Round Champagne Bucket, Silver Alpaca and Horn
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 White Carrara Marble Creator Studioformart Stock
Located in Milan, IT
Serving is a refined art, Vasco can be a sculpture or a vessel, a design object and a serving platter. It is unstoppable and like the most daring seafarers, its gaze is firmly fixed ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

Eye Birchwood Serving Tray Yellow
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
The eye is a multicultural symbol of sheltering and protection made of Birchwood   Size: 32 x 15cm.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Romanian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

Coffee Set, Early Paul Evans, Pewter, Danish Mid-Century Modern
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
SALE ONE WEEK ONLY "Early Coffee Set" is an exquisite and rare 3-piece pewter coffee set adorned with knobs and handles of rosewood. The set includes coffee pot 8.50” x 6”, covered sugar 4” x 2.88”, and creamer 4” x 3.75" designed for Raymor in Denmark. Underside of each impressed with Pewter and Raymor stamps. These pieces have been restored to Museum Quality by Frank Powell...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Pewter

Ghidini 1961 Omini Serving Tray in Gold by Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Serving tray in stainless steel Omini is a family of products that plays on the inclusion and the relationship between the human figure with a series of monolithic objects from geom...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass

Loewe Serving Tray in Brass & Stainless Steel, Spain 1970's
By Loewe
Located in New York, NY
Stainless steel and brass tray with solid brass raised details and the Loewe logo. Stamped underneath.
Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Wooden Decorative Board
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Hand-made wooden board This large round board is hand-carved from oak. The boards as an individual or as part of the family will become a key item in every kitchen being decorativ...
Category

2010s European Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Oak

Eye Birchwood Serving Tray White
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
The eye is a multicultural symbol of sheltering and protection made of birchwood Measures: 32 x 15cm.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Romanian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

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

New Modern Small Tray in Marble Creator Matteo Cibic Stock
Located in Milan, IT
Small tray/plate in White Michelangelo, Black Marquinia, Rosso Levanto Marbles. Size: 22.5 x 15 x 2 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Carlo, Homage Collection by the Italian de...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

Round Rotating Wooden Serving Tray
Located in İzmir, İzmir
Crafted from natural solid oak, the Rotating Oak Serving Stand is a beautifully hand-finished piece that offers both elegance and practicality to your table. Featuring a smooth 360° ...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood, Oak

Masai XL Tray in Polished Metal by Aldo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Masai is a family of rectangular polished metal trays designed by Aldo Cibic, available in two different sizes: small and large. The high edges and the rounded corner make this tray ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

Set of Wooden Decorative Boards
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Designed by Project 213A in 2022 Set of 4 hand-carved Wooden Boards The family of boards are hand-carved from walnut and oak. The boards will become a key item in every kitchen...
Category

2010s European Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Set of 3 Trays. From The Tempera series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Set of 3 Trays, 2023 From The Tempera series Material: Duck egg yolk, binder Overall size: 19.5 Diameter x 15 H (cm) Individual Dimensions: 19.5 Diameter x 5 H (cm) Weight: avg. 1kg Every piece is hand-made, color and measurement may slightly vary. Colors: Black and Ivory Production time is 5 weeks. Tempera series Candle Holder...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Shell

New Modern Serving Tray in Nero and White Marble, creator Matteo Cibic, Stock
Located in Milan, IT
Serving tray in Nero Marquinia and White Michelangelo Marble. Size: 40.7 x 30 x 3 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Danese, Homage Collection by the Italian designer Matteo Ci...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

Modern Hand Blown "Coral Domed Glass Upstand" Sea Creatures Nature Reef Ocean
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
A Hand-Blown Glass Upstand by Simone Crestani Coral Domed Upstand is one of the pieces from the Coral Collection. This exquisite upstand is inspired by the captivating and intricat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Glass

Malindi Ebony, Bone and Leather Tray in Contemporary Style by Giordano Vigano
Located in Novedrate, IT
Ebony, bone and leather printed with a design that mimics leopard skin are the materials used for the Malindi tray that is inspired by the colors and atmosphere of the African savann...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Bone, Leather, Ebony

Vintage Milano Large Espresso Coffee Maker Grosche Italy
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Large Stovetop Milano Espresso Coffee Maker Grosche Italy 10.75 h x 8.5 d x 5 w Unrestored preowned vintage original condition not new condition....
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

Eye Birchwood Serving Tray Blue
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
The eye is a multicultural symbol of sheltering and protection made of birchwood Measures: 32 x 15cm.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Romanian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

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

Valle Medium Silver Alpaca & Horn Bar Champagne Bucket
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

Ceramic Spoon Rest, Handmade in Italy 2021, Choose Your Pattern
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
For more than 30 years this artist has revolutionized the way of thinking about stone. Their artisan techniques are the result of careful research and deep knowledge of the subject: ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Lava

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

Matte Black Lacquer Wood French Oval Moderne Dish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French carved wood moderne dish in matte black lacquered finish. Beautiful simple form would add some modern shapes and drama to your coffee table.
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

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

Vintage Sterling Silver and Turquoise Demitasse and Serving Spoons Set Of 14
Located in North Miami, FL
These lovely and regal set of 14 sterling silver and turquoise demitasse, espresso and serving spoons are vintage. They are hallmarked Prata 833 and hand wrought. They are from Brazi...
Category

1970s Brazilian Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Ceramic Bowl, Ø 40cm x H 20cm Handmade in Italy 2021, Choose Your Pattern
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
For more than 30 years this artist has revolutionized the way of thinking about stone. Their artisan techniques are the result of careful research and deep knowledge of the subject: ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Lava

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

Arthur Court Monkey Palm Leaf Platter Serving Dish Desk Trinket Tray Catch all
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

Vintage Hand-Hammered Silver Plate Duck Scalloped Serving Bowl
Located in North Miami, FL
This monumental whimsical vintage hand-hammered silver plate bowl, serving piece or barware has an exaggerated duck head with large beak as one of the curved sides. It has scalloped ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

Ceramic Rectangular Tray Set, Handmade in Italy 2021, Choose Your Pattern
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
For more than 30 years this artist has revolutionized the way of thinking about stone. Their artisan techniques are the result of careful research and deep knowledge of the subject: ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Lava

Georg Jensen Pyramid caviar/butter knife sterling silver and horn.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful knife design from the well known George Jensen . Originally purchased in Fifth Avenue New York .
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Masai L Tray in Polished Metal by Aldo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Masai is a family of rectangular polished metal trays designed by Aldo Cibic, available in two different sizes: small and large. The high edges and the rounded corner make this tray ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

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.

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