Skip to main content

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.

to
45
389
111
4
3
108
393
3
21
52
1
4
5
2
2
15
16
8
856
279
275
164
162
144
50
45
43
43
34
23
15
14
9
8
7
241
132
98
82
75
333
121
347
231
67
61
53
504
227
455
46
40
32
20
18
Style: Modern
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

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

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

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

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Beach
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Make a bold statement with our hand-painted iron decorative tray, featuring parasoles on a blue sky. Perfect for display, this tray adds a touch of the seaside to any space. Intended...
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

Mamasita Jug / Pitcher, Handmade in Portugal
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Mamasita Jug in Baby Blue Designed by Project 213A in 2021 Handmade Stoneware Waterproof This elegantly sculpted jug features a continued opening and has taken inspiration from a collapsed vase...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Valle Large 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

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

Agate Cheese Board Knives and Coasters
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A really beautiful cheese board set in natural agate made in India. Consists of one board for cheese, three different knives and two coasters. All edg...
Category

20th Century Indian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Agate

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

Michael Aram Silver Plate Serving Pieces I LOVE YOU Valentines Day Gift
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

New Modern Small Tray in marble creator Matteo Cibic
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 designer Matteo Cibic. Made in Italy, hand finished. Serving is an action as intimate as caring for loved ones. A platter is all this: enjoyable in its shape, large, of solid marble that is black like night-time wanderings, and white like dedicated verses. One can read the cypher of Italian design, perceiving ironic touches, admiring the ever-lasting material. Matteo Cibic encounters Mmairo and Homage is born. A tribute to marble, which is no longer an impenetrable material, but part of the everyday, laughing and having fun; a tribute to the sculptural expression of Carrara, a glorious chapter of Italian art history, from Gothic lavishness to site specific design. Form follows Cibic’s ideas, who never compromises on anthropomorphism and joy, recalling the ancient faces of tribal sculptures, masks and idols. With – Homage – he conjures African Art embraced by Amedeo Modigliani, the painter and sculptor from Livorno capable of “allowing the lines to emerge”. Lines that fascinate Cibic, who from a vase creates a cheerful face offset by protruding ears; a fruit bowl inspired by a tribal mask; and a cake stand in Red Levanto can be a flag with White Michelangelo and Black Marquinia, as if suggesting that the merger of opposites were possible. And how: the colours and marbles in Cibic’s pieces, tell of lucky encounters and happy times...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

Selene Pale Pink Marble Stand 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

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

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Beach Lighthouse
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Make a bold statement with our hand-painted iron decorative tray, featuring a lighthouse on a blue sky. Perfect for display, this tray adds a touch of the seaside to any space. Inten...
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hammered Silver Plated Flower Petal Bowl by WMF
Located in New York, NY
Hammered, silver plate bowl. WMF was originally called Metallwarenfabrik Straub & Schweizer and was opened as a metal repairing workshop. Through mergers and acquisitions, by 1900 th...
Category

1930s German Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

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

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

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

Stella Decanter in Umber
Located in Richmond, VA
Our in-house collection pairs modern rounded shapes with colors inspired by ancient Venetian glassware resulting in a functional, beautiful piece to be admired and used often. Each v...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Blown Glass

New Modern Bread Basket in Black Marble Creator Cristoforo Trapani Stock
Located in Milan, IT
Acclaimed by critics, rewarded and beloved by customers, the bread basket has made a comeback as the hero of the table, for good reason. Forget about precooked loaves or packaged breadsticks, bread is the pride of Italian gastronomic tradition, which is why it deserves the right presentation. Michelin Star...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

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

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

Alexandria Oval Ceramic by Jaime Hayon
Located in Milan, IT
Alexandria is an oval ceramic bowl with brass stand, it is available in two color versions: white or anthracite. Alexandria is part of the collection Ne...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass

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

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

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

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

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Yellow Palm
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Add a tropical touch to your decor with our hand-painted iron tray, featuring a palm tree leaves on a bold yellow background. Perfect for coffee tables, shelves, or wall displays, th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

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

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

Walnut Serving Tray – EDGE
Located in Orlando, FL
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

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

Oval 24k Gold Plated and Bronzed Pink Mirrored Glass Tray by Umberto Mascagni
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This tray is made in bronze-pink silvered glass with a 24k gold plated frame. . It is a vintage item, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can b...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Gold Plate

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

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

Solid Walnut Serving Tray – EDGE
Located in Orlando, FL
A refined member of the EDGE Series, the Solid Walnut Serving Tray brings together the elegance of natural materials and practical functionality. Crafted from natural walnut wood, th...
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 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

Eye Birch Wood Serving Tray 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 Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

Medium Pisara Spoon by Antrei Hartikainen
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Pisara spoon by Antrei Hartikainen Materials: Walnut, maple, natural oil wax Dimensions: W 7-10 cm Also available in three sizes and a variety of woods. This range of ...
Category

2010s Finnish Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Maple

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

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

Wooden Serving Tray – EDGE
Located in Orlando, FL
The EDGE Series Premium Solid Oak Serving Tray is a refined fusion of natural elegance and durable craftsmanship, designed entirely from natural oak wood. Its sleek rectangular form ...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood, Oak

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

Bjorn Wiinblad White Porcelain Lidded Bowl, Rosenthal, Germany, 20th Century
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Bjorn Wiinblad White Porcelain Lidded Bowl, Rosenthal, Germany, 20th Century.
Category

20th Century German Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Round Rotating Wooden Serving Tray
Located in Orlando, FL
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

Collection of Engraved and Hobnail Cut Glassware, English, 20th Century
Located in London, GB
A collection of hobnail cut English glassware English, 20th century Tazza: height 15cm, diameter 24.5cm Two bowls: height 6cm, diameter 7cm Con...
Category

20th Century English Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Glass, Cut Glass

Ice Box by Bruno Munari
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage Italian ice box by Bruno Munari showcases a sleek modernist design with a black body and silver metal accents. Both sculptural and functional, it’s a bold statement piec...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

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

Italian Modern Espresso Coffee Maker La Cupola by Aldo Rossi for Alessi, 1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Espresso coffee maker La Cupola by Aldo Rossi for Alessi, 1990s Espresso coffee maker mod. La Cupola with a round base in cast aluminium. It has a handle and a spheri...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Aluminum

Cónica Cake Stand in Black Marble
Located in Mexico City, MX
Cake stand in carved Monterrey black marble. Handmade in Mexico. Production time: 6-8 weeks for items without marble / 13-14 weeks for marble pieces. Shipping +10 additional busines...
Category

2010s Mexican 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.

Recently Viewed

View All