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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Ghidini 1961 Tip Top Tall Tray in Rose Gold by Richard Hutten
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Tray in openwork steel When you look at the top view of the Tip-Top series, all the triangles have the same size. In 3D these triangles have been stretched, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Steel

Ghidini 1961 Perished Large Bowl in Gold-Plated Stainless Steel by Studio Job
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Large bowl in openwork steel. After having visited the Museum of Natural History in New York, Studio Job created a neo-gothic pattern of dancing human and animal skeletons...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Stainless Steel

Ghidini 1961 Double O Ice Bucket in Stainless Steel by Richard Hutten
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Ice bucket in brass For the double O champagne cooler Hutten used his iconic loop shape. The O shaped handle give a playful but chique touch to the cooler. James will love it. Ma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Stainless Steel

Full Moon Medium Copper Tray by Elisa Ossino
Located in Milan, IT
Full Moon is a medium 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 th...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Copper

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

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

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

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

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

Full Moon Medium Copper and Carrara Marble Tray by Elisa Ossino
Located in Milan, IT
Full moon is a circular copper tray with a Carrara marble top and it is part of the Lunar Landscape collection designed by Elisa Ossino, who conceived for Paola C. a tableware collec...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Carrara Marble, Copper

Full Moon Small Copper and Carrara Marble Tray by Elisa Ossino
Located in Milan, IT
Full Moon is a small copper tray with a Carrara marble top and it is part of the Lunar Landscape collection designed by Elisa Ossino, who conceived for Paola C. a tableware collectio...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Carrara Marble, Copper

Gambone Large Ceramic Riser by Aldo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Gambone is a large ceramic riser designed by Aldo Cibic, available in three color versions (anthracite, red and green). The product is part of Table Joy collection...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic

Colony Medium Aluminium Tray by Aldo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Colony is a polished aluminium tray designed by Aldo Cibic. The square silhouette is minimalist, but the rounded corners and the sinuous handles give to the object a warm and refined...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Aluminum

Parure I Small Glass Bowl with Brass Base by Cristina Celstino
Located in Milan, IT
Parure I is a small glass bowl with brass base designed by Cristina Celestino, and it is part of Dolce Vita, a collection that celebrates in a contemp...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass

fferrone Contemporary Copper Small Serving Tray Decorative Sculpture Lift, Too
Located in Chicago, IL
Simple, elegant, minimalist, the contemporary copper small serving tray titled lift, to will redefine the landscape of your table setting. Inspired ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Copper

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

fferrone Contemporary Abstract Black Small Serving Tray Decorative Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Lift, too small size Simple. Elegant. Minimalist. The abstract contemporary black small serving tray titled Lift, Too will redefine the landscape o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Steel

fferrone Pair of Contemporary Black Serving Trays Decorative Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Lift and lift, too - set of two Simple. Elegant. Minimalist. The contemporary black serving trays titled Lift collection will redefine the landscap...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Steel

Hand Painted Ceramic Smiley Spoon 8 Unique Edition
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Part of the surrealist-inspired show the dinner guests, each ceramic smiley spoon is hand-painted with anthropomorphic shapes and playful, brightly-colored patterns. 1 of 9. Handm...
Category

2010s American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 4 Kartell Jellies Round Trays in Pink 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

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

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

Hand Painted Ceramic Smiley Spoon 2 Unique Edition
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Part of the Surrealist-inspired show The Dinner Guests, each ceramic Smiley Spoon is hand painted with anthropomorphic shapes and playful, brightly-colored patterns. 1 of 9. Handm...
Category

2010s American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic

Hand Painted Ceramic Plate Come in Unique Edition
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For Fortmakers' 2019 Surrealist-inspired show The Dinner Guests, ceramic artist Shino Takeda handcrafted and painted a series of playful, anthropomorphic ...
Category

2010s American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic

Hand Painted Ceramic Smiley Spoon 3 Unique Edition
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Part of the surrealist-inspired show the dinner guests, each ceramic Smiley Spoon is hand painted with anthropomorphic shapes and playful, brightly-colored patterns. 1 of 9. Handm...
Category

2010s American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 3 Ceramic Oval Serving 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

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

Silver-Plate Vintage Sculptural Salad Servers or Serving Pieces Pair Of
Located in North Miami, FL
These amazing and sculptural hallmarked hand wrought silver plate serving pieces or salad utensils are like a work of art. These are perfect for serving...
Category

1980s Canadian Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

Seletti "Hybrid-Leandra" Porcelain Cake-Stand
Located in Doral, FL
From its very first year in 1964, Seletti in Cicognara, Mantova, has followed its principle of professionality service and constant research to strive for betterness innovation and o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Solid Oak Serving Tray – EDGE
Located in Orlando, FL
The EDGE Series Square Solid Oak Serving Tray brings together the elegance of natural oak wood and the practicality of modern design, offering a versatile and refined solution for se...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood, Oak

Set of 4 Kartell Small Dune Trays in Chrome by Mario Bellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The semi-transparent material of these trays with internal sculpting varies in chromatic intensity and luminosity and projects a magical three-dimensional illusion onto the surface holding glasses and cups. Images fluctuate and flow in these trays. Like mountain streams, rivers of lava, fiery flames. Animated images of the caprices of wind and light. Like the waves on the sea, desert dunes or the shimmering reflections of silk. These rainbow-colored trays...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Plastic

Metal Rechaud with Wooden Handle
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Silver metal rechaud with wooden handle. With a structure composed of a robust base supported by three elegantly crafted feet, it displays floral details in relief. The domed lid is ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

Vintage Brass Signed Hand Wrought Sculptural Serving Pieces Barware
Located in North Miami, FL
These beautiful, vintage and artful professionally polished brass serving pieces will add to any glorious table setting and great for serving. They are hand wrought and have an initi...
Category

1880s American Antique Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass

American Art Moderne Aluminum and Crystal Compote
By Kensington Furniture Company
Located in Queens, NY
American Art Moderne (1930s) round aluminum top and base compote with a centered crystal ball (marked KENSINGTON; Attributed to LURELL GUILD) (Ref...
Category

1930s American Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Crystal, Aluminum

Oval Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard, circa 1950
Located in New York City, NY
Oval Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Beautifully shaped and finished teak serving tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk.
Category

20th Century American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Teak

Vintage Fitz and Floyd Porcelain Gilded Shell Desert or Appetizer Shell Plates
Located in North Miami, FL
These delightful vintage hallmarked Fitz and Floyd porcelain gilded shell plates serve the entertaining purpose for desert, appetizer or salad plates. The design are different shell ...
Category

1970s Japanese Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Gold

Cheese Shaker by Cini & Nils
Located in Sheffield, MA
A masterfully designed modernist cheese Shaker of impeccable quality made of Lucite and stainless by Cini & Nils, Italy, 1970s.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Stainless Steel

Naïve Earth n Green Vessel in Stoneware by Hania Jneid
Located in BARCELONA, ES
The Naïve Collection by artist-designer Hania Jneid is an ode to simplicity, spontaneity, and raw expression. Crafted in stoneware, each piece embraces a childlike purity—where form,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Stoneware

Contemporary Tea Spoons Golden Plated Set Handcrafted in Italy by Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Indulge in the artistry of our handcrafted set of two teaspoons, meticulously fashioned from brass and adorned with a luxurious gold plating. With a graceful shape and playful handle...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass

Contemporary Salad Bowl Gold Hand Painted Plate Porcelain Tableware
Located in Roma, RM
Hand painted in Italy from the finest porcelain, this Dafne salad bowl has a narrow pink and blue dotted rim surrounding a broad, delicate golden decor of stylised flowers; subtle li...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

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

MId Century Modern Silver Plate Tray With Diego Rivera Style Rectangle Barware
Located in North Miami, FL
Exotic depictions of embellished and embossed Diego Rivera imagery are the centre of this polished silver-plate serving tray. The recessed steeped lines framing the inside imagery add dimension and form. it is signed on the back and numbered Tropical pattern by International Silver Co. #8166 The scene is of a caped woman...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

New modern Chopping Board in White Carrara Marble creator Studioformart Stock
Located in Milan, IT
The history of marble carving is lost in time; in one breath, it takes us back to the IV century BC, to ancient Greece where decorations and sculptures were created from the shimmering stone. Andrea and Simone Dell’Amico, the souls of Studioformat, are young designers from Carrara who live and breathe marble in the nearby quarries, challenging the material’s strength. Total Marble is a collection that introduces curved and rectangular trays, place mats and mise en place that suggest fleetingness in a material, the divine aspects of which, have been transformed into objects for everyday use. A little bit board and a little bit tray...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

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 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

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

Lacquer and Resin Wood Serving Tray with Handles and Butterfly Design
Located in Greenwich, CT
Handmade lacquered maple serving tray lined with Osborne & Little butterfly wall cover and finished with a resin top coat. Made for real use, not just decorative. The paint color is ...
Category

2010s American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Resin, Hardwood

Set of 4 Kartell Jellies Round Trays in Light Blue 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

New Modern Small Tray in White and Black, creator Matteo Cibic
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

New Modern Dish in White Michelangelo 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 Michelangelo 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 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

Modern "Abstract Inlay Charcuterie Board" by Alex Drew & No One, 2024
Located in Detroit, MI
The Modern "Abstract Inlay Charcuterie Board" is from the 2024 collection of Alex Drew & No One. Inspired by traditional craftsmanship while incorporating a modern edge, AD & NO's wo...
Category

2010s American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass

Knives and Forks for Service, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Knives and Forks for Service, 20th Century. Knives and Forks by Letang&Remy, Paris, stainless steel, 1980, new condition, in box.   H: 2,5cm, W: 35,5cm, D: 7cm
Category

20th Century French Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Stainless Steel

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Bear
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Add a bold and artistic touch to your decor with our hand-painted iron tray, featuring an intricate bear design. Perfect for display on coffee tables, shelves, or as wall art, this t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

Eyes Serving Wood Trays Set of 5
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
The eye has always been a symbol of protection and sheltering here a set of 5 'EYES' birch wood trays Size: 15 x 32cm.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Romanian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

Modern "Walnut Slash Inlay Charcuterie Board" by Alex Drew & No One, 2024
Located in Detroit, MI
The Modern "Walnut Slash Inlay Charcuterie Board" from the 2024 collection of Alex Drew & No One. Inspired by traditional craftsmanship while incorporating a modern edge, AD & NO's w...
Category

2010s American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass

Eye Wooden Lacquered Golden Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Wonderful golden wood lacqered tray the eye is a symbol of protection and sheltering and this tray will make your table look contemporary and unique.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

Shared Identity by Theodora Alfredsdottii
Located in Geneve, CH
Shared Identity by Theodora Alfredsdottir Unique piece Materials: Mdf, lacquer, glass top Dimensions: 140 x 250 x 105 mm Theodora Alfredsdottir is a product design studio based...
Category

2010s English Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Glass, Lacquer

Eyes Serving Wood Trays Set of 5
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
The eye has always been a symbol of protection and sheltering here a set of 5 'EYES' birch wood trays Size: 15 x 32cm.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Romanian 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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