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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Set of 4 Kartell Trama Soup Plates in Light Grey by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Trama tableware collection is a complete dinner set inspired by Japanese pottery with its characteristic and highly refined textures in natural...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Resin
Mamasita Jug / Pitcher, Handmade in Portugal
By Project 213A
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
Set of 4 Kartell Trama Underplates in Terracotta by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Trama tableware collection is a complete dinner set inspired by Japanese pottery with its characteristic and highly refined textures in natural earthy colours and matt finishes. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Resin
Saint Jacques Handpainted Ceramic Tray Made in Italy
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
A wonderful and unique piece to make your table shine
Hanpainted, in italy, Saint Jacques (scallops) serving tray
summer is everyday on your table with th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Ceramic
Set of 4 Kartell Trama Bowl in Light Gray by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Trama tableware collection is a complete dinner set inspired by Japanese pottery with its characteristic and highly refined textures in natural...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Resin
Set of 4 Soup Plates in Dark Gray by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Trama tableware collection is a complete dinner set inspired by Japanese pottery with its characteristic and highly refined textures in natural earthy colours and matt finishes. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Resin
Mariae Bar Tray by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Mariae bar tray by Fakasaka Design
Dimensions: W 63 cm D 37 cm H 7 cm.
Materials: polished bronze.
FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, lig...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Bronze
Large Centerpiece Bowl in Hand-Painted Ceramic Signed Jurg Lanrein
Located in New York, NY
This stunning large scale modernist ceramic serving bowl was realized by the acclaimed artist Jurg Lanrein in Switzerland during the latter half of the 20th century. If features an a...
Category
20th Century Swiss Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Ceramic
Set of 4 Kartell Jellies Round Trays in Green by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A comprehensive line of trays made from colorful and transparent PMMA plastic. The line's individuality is down to the fact that each model presents a different organic pattern that ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Resin, Plastic
Set of 4 Kartell Trama Fruit Plate in Anthracite by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Trama tableware collection is a complete dinner set inspired by Japanese pottery with its characteristic and highly refined textures in natural earthy colours and matt finishes. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Resin
Set of 4 Kartell Trama Bowl in Dark Gray by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Trama tableware collection is a complete dinner set inspired by Japanese pottery with its characteristic and highly refined textures in natural earthy colours and matt finishes. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Resin
Set of 4 Kartell Trama Bowl in Terracotta by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Trama tableware collection is a complete dinner set inspired by Japanese pottery with its characteristic and highly refined textures in natural...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Resin
Set of 4 Kartell Jellies Round Trays in Crystal by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A comprehensive line of trays made from colorful and transparent PMMA plastic. The line's individuality is down to the fact that each model presents a different organic pattern that ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Resin, Plastic
Set of 4 Kartell Trama Underplates in Anthracite by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Trama tableware collection is a complete dinner set inspired by Japanese pottery with its characteristic and highly refined textures in natural earthy colours and matt finishes. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Resin
Set of 2 Kartell Jellies Vase in Crystal by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A comprehensive line of trays made from colorful and transparent PMMA plastic. The line's individuality is down to the fact that each model presents a different organic pattern that ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Resin, Plastic
Set of 4 Kartell Trama Soup Plates in Terracotta by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Trama tableware collection is a complete dinner set inspired by Japanese pottery with its characteristic and highly refined textures in natural...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Resin
Set of 4 Kartell Trama Underplates in Dark Gray by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A comprehensive line of trays made from colorful and transparent PMMA plastic. The line's individuality is down to the fact that each model presents a different organic pattern that ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Resin
Set of 2 Kartell Jellies Vase in Copper by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A comprehensive line of trays made from colorful and transparent PMMA plastic. The line's individuality is down to the fact that each model presents a different organic pattern that ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Resin, Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Jellies Vase in Gold by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A comprehensive line of trays made from colorful and transparent PMMA plastic. The line's individuality is down to the fact that each model presents a different organic pattern that ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Resin, Plastic
Set of 2 Kartell Jellies Vase in Chrome by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A comprehensive line of trays made from colorful and transparent PMMA plastic. The line's individuality is down to the fact that each model presents a different organic pattern that ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Resin, Plastic
Paul Evans Pewter Coffee Set, Danish, Mid-Century Modern
By Paul Evans
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
Set of 4 Kartell Jellies Round Trays in Smoke by Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A comprehensive line of trays made from colorful and transparent PMMA plastic. The line's individuality is down to the fact that each model presents a different organic pattern that ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Resin, Plastic
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
Mariae Bar Tray by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Mariae bar tray by Fakasaka Design
Dimensions: W 63 cm D 37 cm H 7 cm.
Materials: polished bronze.
FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production o...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Bronze
Tent 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 Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Wood
Set of 23 Dinner/Platter/Salad Plates, Service for 8 Signed Jurg Lanrein
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated modernist set of 23 dinner and salad plates, as well as serving platters were realized by the esteemed designer Jurg Lanrein in Switzerland during the latter half of the 20th century. They offer an organic marbled texture- resembling the treatment used on the inside covers of antiquarian books...
Category
20th Century Swiss Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Ceramic
Full Moon Small Copper Tray by Elisa Ossino
By Elisa Ossino
Located in Milan, IT
Full Moon is a small circular copper tray and it is part of the Lunar landscape collection designed by Elisa Ossino, who conceived for Paola C. a tableware collection, revisiting the...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Copper
Saint Jacques shells Handpainted Salad Plates Set of 4 Made in Italy
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
A wonderful set of salad plates to make your table shine
Hanpainted, in italy, Saint Jacques (scallops) will bring an everyday
summer on your ta...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Ceramic
Full Moon Large Copper and Gris du Marais Marble Tray by Elisa Ossino
By Elisa Ossino
Located in Milan, IT
Full Moon is a large copper tray with a Gris du Marais marble top, a variety of grey marble with white and - sometimes- rust veins. The hot tone of copp...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Marble, Copper
Set of 2 Pisara Spoons by Antrei Hartikainen
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 pisara spoons 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 o...
Category
2010s Finnish Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Maple
Minimalist Marble Plate Extra Large
Located in Lisbon, PT
Manuel Aires Mateus creates four elegant stone platters inspired by a simple, circular shape, with beautiful Estremoz marble stone grooved in a classic pattern. Its unique look is ac...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Marble
Large Sunburst Design Cut Glass Starburst Round Serving Platter Plate
Located in New York, NY
Large cut glass starburst / sunburst design round serving platter plate
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Cut Glass
Minimalist Marble Plate Large
Located in Lisbon, PT
Manuel Aires Mateus creates four elegant stone platters inspired by a simple, circular shape, with beautiful Estremoz marble stone grooved in a classic pattern. Its unique look is achieved by placing vertical grooves carved in its pristine surface, where everything can be placed and still be kept dry.
These platters can be used as a serving tray, an accent piece or even for displaying objects...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Marble
Minimalist Marble Plate Medium
Located in Lisbon, PT
Manuel Aires Mateus creates four elegant stone platters inspired by a simple, circular shape, with beautiful Estremoz marble stone grooved in a classic pattern. Its unique look is ac...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Marble
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
Silent Fire Plate by Daniel Nikolovski
Located in Geneve, CH
Silent fire plate by Daniel Nikolovski
Dimensions: ø18 x H 3 cm
Materials: Glazed ceramic
The concept behind this plate is capturing a chemical phenome...
Category
2010s Macedonian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Ceramic
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
Ava Bar Tray by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Ava bar tray by Fakasaka Design
Dimensions: W 52.5 cm D 52.5 cm H 1.2 cm
Materials: polished bronze.
AVA BAR TRAY / CENTERPIECE / CANDLE TRAY
FAKA...
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Bronze
fferrone Contemporary Minimal Decorative Dark St. Steel Serving Tray Centerpiece
Located in Chicago, IL
With strong minimal architectural forms emphasizing the tension between positive and negative space, the contemporary Maison collection is comprised of a serving tray, medium bowl, and tall bowl. Perfect as centerpieces or as home accessories each one is handcrafted of stainless steel and darkened giving the finish its depth of color.
Modern and minimal in it's rigorous lines which make the Maison collection very architectural. The Maison Tray is perfect for a living on a table or ottoman.
Designed by: Felicia Ferrone, 2016
Handcrafted: USA
material • hand darkened stainless steel
type • tray...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Stainless Steel
Constantin Centerpiece by Colé Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Constantin Centerpiece by Colé Italia with Agustina Bottoni
Dimensions: H.10/13 Ø 28 cm
Materials: In solid brushed Wood: oak stained black base; natural...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Oak
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
Mamasita Jug / Pitcher, Handmade in Portugal
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Mamasita Jug in White
Designed by Project 213A in 2021
Handmade Stoneware
Waterproof
This elegantly sculpted jug features a continued opening and took inspiration from a collapsed vase...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Kupu Spoon by Antrei Hartikainen
Located in Geneve, CH
Kupu spoon by Antrei Hartikainen
Materials: Walnut, maple, natural oil wax
Dimensions: W 10 cm
Also available in a variety of woods
The unusual proportions of the kupu spoons give ...
Category
2010s Finnish Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Maple
Tray in Polished Bronze by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Tray in polished bronze by FAKASAKA Design
Dimensions: W 19 x D 9 x H 2.5 cm
Materials: polished bronze.
Category
2010s Brazilian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Bronze
Cactus handpainted Iron tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Handpainted iron tray
Agave design
perfect as a serving tray or as an amazing vide poche.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Iron
Bear Handpainted Iron Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
A very special offer for this tray
handpainted Bear iron tray with.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Iron
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 Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Wood
Pilier Steel Tray by Sizar Alexis
By Sizar Alexis
Located in Geneve, CH
Pilier steel tray by Sizar Alexis
Unique signed piece
Dimensions: Length 35 x width 28 x height 4.5 cm
Materials: Blackened steel, ox leather
A series of boldly sculpted furnitures and objects, an
appreciation of the raw metal feel and texture. The series
is made in steel without any welds. Assembled by Sizar Alexis in
Eskilstuna, Where various parts goes into one and another then locked
in place by custom made threaded pins and nuts that looks like the
supporting pillars.
About Sizar Alexis
Sizar Alexis is a Swedish-Iraqi product and furniture designer that experiments with objects that display serenity through geometrical shapes, while
remaining robust in volume. His trademark style is built on creating objects
bear a strong character, accomplished through the use of raw and imperfect surfaces in combination with a deep interest in Brutalism and the rich
cultural and architectural heritage from ancient Mesopotamia. He uses
the delicate character of noble materials juxtaposed with Brutalist angular
shapes to create objects that stand the test of time.
Background and history
Sizar Alexis was born in Ankawa, just outside the city of Erbil in northern
Iraq. His Chaldean roots puts his lineage in a straight line back to 5000 BC...
Category
2010s Swedish Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Steel
Minimalist Marble Plate Small
Located in Lisbon, PT
Manuel Aires Mateus creates four elegant stone platters inspired by a simple, circular shape, with beautiful estremoz marble stone grooved in a Classic pattern. It's unique look is a...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Marble
Undressed Woman Tea Set
Located in Greenwich, CT
The undressed tea set was designed and handcrafted in the Netherlands by Esther Hörchner. Each cup features a line illustration of a nude woman in different positions as if bathing i...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Porcelain
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 Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Wood
Set of 2 Kupu Spoons by Antrei Hartikainen
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Kupu spoons by Antrei Hartikainen
Materials: Walnut, Maple, Natural Oil Wax
Dimensions: W 10 cm
Also Available in a variety of woods.
The unusual proportions of the ...
Category
2010s Finnish Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Maple
Oak Nokka Tongs by Antrei Hartikainen
Located in Geneve, CH
Oak Nokka tongs by Antrei Hartikainen
Materials: Walnut, maple, natural oil wax
Dimensions: W 24,5 D 4/2 H 6 cm
Also available in a variety of woods
Nokka tongs are suitable for se...
Category
2010s Finnish Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Oak
Butterfly Golden Wood Lacquered Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
This is a very unique and special piece
this Butterfly Golden lacquered tray is the perfect item to lighten up your space
elegant with a 40s vibe but at the same time very contemp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Wood
1983 Haldon Group Aluminum Footed Sunflower Basket Pedestal Compote
Located in Dayton, OH
1983 Vintage The Haldon Group cast aluminum footed centerpiece bowl or compote featuring low relief floral Sunflower design with scalloped basket weave ed...
Category
1980s Vintage Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Aluminum
Large Pisara Spoon by Antrei Hartikainen
Located in Geneve, CH
Large 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 small sp...
Category
2010s Finnish Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Maple
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
Butterfly Golden Wood Lacquered Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
There are many trays but very few are as beautiful as this golden lacquered tray
elegant with a 40s vibe but at the same time modern and contemporary
A unique piece for your table ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Wood
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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