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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Piatto Piano #2, Dining Plate, White by Ivan Colominas
Located in Geneve, CH
Piatto Piano #2 - Dining plate - White by Ivan Colominas Materia e Tavola Collection Dimensions: 29 x 2.1 cm Materials: Bianco Michelangelo / Bianco Carrara Also available: Ner...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

French 19th Century Ribbed Glass Sugar Caddy
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French 19th century modern style sugar caddy in spherical, ribbed glass bowl with polished brass lid and carrying handle. A lovely way to present sweet treats to guests in lieu of a biscuit or candy jar, or elevate a bath or powder room by displaying this fine antique glass vessel...
Category

19th Century French Antique Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass

Ceramic Salad Bowl, Ø 35cm x H 17cm 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

Contemporary Silver Plated Teapot Stone Handles Handcrafted Italy Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Part of the duality objects collection, OHO, is a harmonious blend of contemporary design's expressive freedom and the profound expertise of silverware workshops. This piece serves a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

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

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 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, appetizers, or delightful desserts, these plates add a touch of Mediterranean flair and sophistication to your table...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic

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

1940s M Fred Hirsch MFH Elegant Sterling Silver Sugar Creamer Set
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

Pair of Modernist Chrome and Cobalt Candle Holders by Chase Co
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice pair of modernist chrome and cobalt candle holders by Chase & Co., circa 1940s. The chrome design features a 2.5" round cup on a coba...
Category

20th Century American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Chrome

Full Moon Large Copper Tray by Elisa Ossino
Located in Milan, IT
Full Moon is a large 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

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

New Modern Serving Tray in Marble Creator Matteo Cibic, stock
Located in Milan, IT
Serving tray in black Marquinia, red Levanto and white Michelangelo marble. Size: 40 x 29 x 4 cm, 15.7 x 11.4 x 1.6 in, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Romeo, Homage Collection b...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

Contemporary Amber Blown Glass Bowl by Natalia Criado Circular Round Cone
Located in Milan, IT
The gelato cup, designed by Natalia Criado is part of the wonder crystal collection. Handcrafted with a nod to 19th-century glassblowing techniques, this delightful piece features an...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Blown Glass

Ceramic Bowl, 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

New Modern Tray in White Carrara Marble, creator Studioformart
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

Large Faceted Lucite Divided Bowl Chip and Dip
Located in Wayne, NJ
Faceted Lucite bowl. Inside width is 11 3/8".
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Lucite

Modernist Nutcracker by Jacques Adnet
Located in Brussels, BE
Modernist Nutcracker by Jacques Adnet Jacques Adnet (1900-1984) was a French architect, decorator and designer. He began his career working for the Compagnie des Arts Français, a co...
Category

1940s French Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

Italian Modernist Stainless Steel Carving Knife & Fork Set
Located in Bradenton, FL
An Italian modernist stainless steel carving knife and fork set. Each is signed Chef P. Giovani and marked Stainless Steel, Italy, Pat. 85278 an...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Stainless Steel

Set of 12 Dessert Forks by Christofle Goldsmith in Paris, 1960-1970.
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

New Modern Dish in Black Marquinia Marble, creator Ivan Colominas
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 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

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, Ebony, Leather

Contemporary Green Blown Glass Bowl by Natalia Criado Circular Round Cone
Located in Milan, IT
The gelato cup, designed by Natalia Criado is part of the wonder crystal collection. Handcrafted with a nod to 19th-century glassblowing techniques, this delightful piece features an...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Blown Glass

New Modern Dish in Black Marquinia Marble, creator Ivan Colominas, 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 that characterize the exploration of one of the greatest pleasures afforded us, food. Size: 25 x 2 cm, smooth finishing, stain treatment compatible with food. Commercial name: Piatto Piano #1, Materia e Tavola collection by the Spanish designer Ivan Colominas. Available also in white Carrara and Michelangelo marble. Made in Italy. Mmairo loves wining and dining, good food...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

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

Contemporary Blue Blown Glass Bowl by Natalia Criado Circular Round Cone
Located in Milan, IT
The gelato cup, designed by natalia criado is part of the wonder crystal collection. Handcrafted with a nod to 19th-century glassblowing techniques, this delightful piece features an...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Blown Glass

New Modern Serving Tray in Marble Creator Matteo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Serving tray in black Marquinia, red Levanto and white Michelangelo marble. Size: 40 x 29 x 4 cm, 15.7 x 11.4 x 1.6 in, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Romeo, Homage Collection b...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

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

Onyx, Stone, Metal

Large 1960's Sunburst Design Cut Glass Starburst Round Serving Platter Plate
Located in New York, NY
Large vintage 1960's cut glass starburst / sunburst design round serving platter plate
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Cut Glass

Ceramic Bowl, 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

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

Ceramic Bowl, 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

Vintage Modern Christmas Santa Claus Silver Plated Salad Serving Fork & Spoon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Modern Christmas Santa Claus Silver Plated Salad Serving Fork & Spoon. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: Spoon: 1.5" H x 13" W x 2.5" D. F...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

Wooden Decorative Board
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Hand-made wooden board This medium square shaped 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...
Category

2010s European Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Walnut

'King Cutlery' Caviar Spoon in Silver by Georg Jensen, 1940s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
In the series King Cutlery (Da: konge bestik) from Georg Jensen comes this small caviar spoon in Sterling Silver. The design dates from 1915. This particular spoon is an example from...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

fferrone Contemporary Copper Large Serving Tray Decorative Sculpture Lift
Located in Chicago, IL
Simple. Elegant. Minimalist. The contemporary copper large serving tray titled lift will redefine the landscape of your table setting. Inspired by the Pantheon in Rome with its power...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Copper

New Modern Tray/Chopping Board in White Carrara Marble, creator Studioformart
Located in Milan, IT
A little bit board and a little bit tray. The distinctive opening welcomes a glass, a napkin and makes for a better grip, which makes Paletta perfect for cock...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

New Modern Tray in White Marble Creator Michele Chiossi Stock
Located in Milan, IT
The comic strip is served as a tray/board by Michele Chiossi. A zigzag, speech-bubble emoji accompanies dinners and aperitifs, suggesting thoughts and storytelling. Size: 35*30*2 cm...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

New Modern Tray in Calacatta Oro Marble Creator Studioformart
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

Modern Set of Six Porcelain Tea Cups Butterfly Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
These completely handmade porcelain cups with saucers are painted by hand with a charming hands-free modern decor. The set comes as a set of six hand painted cups with a butterfly decor...
Category

2010s German Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

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

New Modern Dish in White Carrara Marble, creator Studioformart
Located in Milan, IT
Having abandoned soft and linear shapes, Studioformart has considered a rational and perfectly functional dining set. Soup plate, dinner plate and dessert plate, Square is a declarat...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

Small Tray in White Michelangelo and Black Marquinia by M. Cibic, Italy in Stock
Located in Milan, IT
Small tray/plate in white Michelangelo and black Marquinia marble. Size: 22.5 x 15 x 2 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Carlo, Homage Collection by the Italian designer Matteo ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

Ceramic Bowl, 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

Yellow kettle, Michael Lax, Copco in Enamel and Teak
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Yellow kettle, Michael Lax, Copco in enamel and teak. Yellow Copco kettle, designed by Michael Lax, model no. 117 and made in Spain. It's made of metal with bright yellow enamel on ...
Category

1990s Spanish Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Enamel

New Modern Dish in Black Marquinia Marble, creator Ivan Colominas
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 Dish in White Carrara Marble, creator Ivan Colominas
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 Dish in White Carrara Marble, creator Ivan Colominas
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 Tray in White Carrara Marble, creator Studioformart
Located in Milan, IT
“I’m searching for magnificence,” the surprise of a curved slab, of a strong material moulded by the craftsman’s hands. A modern and decisive gesture that makes something fluid that ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

New Modern Trivet in White Michelangelo Marble, creator Ivan Colominas
Located in Milan, IT
Myron is a trivet that is not defined by its function. Of perfect marble, with no above or below, it fulfils multiple uses in the kitchen and at the table. Size: 26 x 2 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Myron, Materia e Tavola collection by the Spanish Designer Ivan Colominas. Available also in black Marquinia marble. Made in Italy, hand finished. Mmairo loves wining and dining, good food and...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

New Modern Dish in White Carrara Marble, creator Studioformart
Located in Milan, IT
Having abandoned soft and linear shapes, Studioformart has considered a rational and perfectly functional dining set. Soup plate, dinner plate and dessert plate, Square is a declarat...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

New Modern Tray in White Carrara Marble, creator Studioformart
Located in Milan, IT
Tavoletta, designed by Studioformat One could even imagine marble to levitate, flying up to the clouds light as a feather, in a perfect chromatic match. Studioformart reiterates th...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

Ceramic Bowl, Ø 10 cm x H 5 cm 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

Sterling Silver Vintage Modernist Hallmarked Salad Servers or Serving Pieces
Located in North Miami, FL
This pair of vintage sterling silver hallmarked salad servers or serving pieces are very modernist in design. They were made in Peru ...
Category

1970s Peruvian Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Hand-Hammered Silver Plate Duck Scalloped Serving Bowl Vintage
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 Salad Bowl Ø 30cm x H 14cm, 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

Set of 5 Ceramic Square Serving Bowl, Handmade 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

Ceramic Tray with 4 Bowls Ø 12, 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

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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