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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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

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 Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

Ceramic Tray with 9 Bowls, Handmade in Italy 2021, Choose Your Pattern
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
For more than 30 years this artist has revolutionized the way of thinking about stone. Their artisan techniques are the result of careful research and deep knowledge of the subject: ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Lava

Hands Birchwood Serving Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
The hand means protection, sheltering and coyness made of Birchwood Measures: 32 x 15cm.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

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

Tableware Set Ceramic, Serving Centerpiece Bowl, Charger Plates, Blue Majolica
Located in Recanati, IT
Exclusive ceramic set for the decoration of the table in blue and white, consisting of a bowl centerpiece with snake-shaped handles and four tablemats painted with the technique of m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

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

Onyx, Stone, Metal

Dinner Plates Set Four Charger Plate Table Serving Majolica Ceramic Blue Pink
Located in Recanati, IT
This colorful set of 4 majolica charger plates is handmade and hand-painted in Italy following the original Renaissance painting technique, unchanged over time, which we observe to the letter. The elegant decoration is composed by a halo of blue foliage that resembles four groups of wings surrounding light pink backgrounds: further ornamental elements develop from the center of the plate, projected outwards and giving movement to the entire compositional structure. The beauty of these majolica plates is underlined by the artist's visible brushstrokes that give them a unique style. Further possibility to order a set of 6 or 12 charger...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Seletti "Hybrid-Raissa" 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

Large Oval Serving Plate Art Déco Garden André Fu Living Tableware New
Located in CENTRAL, HK
Description: Large oval serving plate Color: Beige gold Size: 37 x 26 x 4 H cm Material: Porcelain and gold Collection: Art Déco Garden Large...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Gold

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

Valle Set, Bar Champagne Bucket, Tray & Pitcher, Silver Alpaca & Horn
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 Argentine Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Onyx, Stone, Metal

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 Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

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

Amélie Handcrafted Sugar Bowl, Handmade in Italy 2021, Choose Size and Colors
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
This wonderful collection encourages to participate in the process of combining small pleasures into a significant whole by regarding details as both minute and essential. Our artist...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic

Silver-Plate Sculptural Salad Servers or Serving Pieces Vintage 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

Io Marble Platter by On.Entropy in Brown, Modern Desk Accessory
Located in Athens, GR
This platter is designed as a homogeneous volume, wishing to engage the senses around the plasticity of marble. It is carved off a single piece of marble without joints or seams. ...
Category

2010s Greek 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

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

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

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

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

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

Danese Milano Elisabetta Small Tray in Charcoal Grey by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Elisabetta is a tray made of powder-coated aluminium, whose sober lines and intelligent design make it both a practical and elegant object. Enzo Mari is one of the masters of Ital...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Aluminum

Hammock Marble Platter by on Entropy in Brown, Desk Accessory of Platter
Located in Athens, GR
This platter is designed as a homogeneous volume, wishing to engage the senses around the plasticity of marble. It is carved off a single piece of marble without joints or seams. ...
Category

2010s Greek Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

Contemporary Oval Rim Platter Gold Hand Crafted in Italy Unique Modern
Located in Roma, RM
Handcrafted in Italy from the finest porcelain, this Craquelé edge oval rim platter from the Chestnut Collection has a unique golden crackled rim emphasizing the warm sandy surface c...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Medium Oval Serving Plate Art Déco Garden André Fu Living Tableware New
Located in CENTRAL, HK
Description: Medium oval serving plate Color: Beige gold Size: 31 x 22 x 4 H cm Material: Porcelain and gold Collection: Art Déco Garden Larg...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Gold

Gambone Large Platinum Ceramic Riser by Aldo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Gambone is a large ceramic riser with platinum finish designed by Aldo Cibic. The product is part of Table Joy collection: an upbeat, vividly colored an...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic

21st Century Ceramic Set of 6 Concentric Serving Round Dishes Made in Italy
Located in Milan, IT
Six concentric ceramic serving round dishes - trays handmade and hand-decorated of shades of neutral colors and varying diameter and height, and that, once they are inside each othe...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic

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

Set of 4 Kartell Large 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

Set of 2 Cylindrical Box Art Déco Garden André Fu Living Tableware New
Located in CENTRAL, HK
Description: Cylindrical box with lid (2 pieces) Color: Beige gold Size: 9 Ø x 10.5 H cm Material: Porcelain and gold Collection: Art Déco Garden Larger quantities available u...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Gold

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

Modern Asian Style Red Lacquered Display Board
Located in New York, NY
Modern Asian style red lacquered display board or pedestal, marked on bottom.
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Lacquer

Danese Milano Elisabetta Small Tray in Aluminum by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Elisabetta is a tray made of powder-coated aluminium, whose sober lines and intelligent design make it both a practical and elegant object. Enzo Mari is one of the masters of Ital...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Aluminum

Set of Four Pieces Pair Silver Plate Water Carafes Coffee Pot and Sugar Bowl
Located in Brescia, IT
The modern and timeless style of this set is perfect to serve coffee or tea and to give bright at your home.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

Lucite and Rattan Large Square Tray
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Square serving tray in Lucite in the manner of Christian Dior Home, with capsuled blonde rattan surrounded by a metal silver frame and in very good...
Category

20th Century Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

Connect Table Tray or Serving Tray in Steel with Bronze Pins and Leather Handles
Located in Vancouver, BC
The Connect Bookcase is emblematic of the contemporary interweaving of mass manufacturing and traditional joinery technique. Construction and fastening details remain as evidence of ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Steel, Bronze

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 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

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

Set of 2 Oval Box Art Déco Garden André Fu Living Tableware New
Located in CENTRAL, HK
Description: Oval box with lid (2 pieces) Color: Beige gold Size: 10.5 Ø x 9 H cm Material: Porcelain and gold Collection: Art Déco Garden Larger quantities available upon req...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Gold

Danese Milano Elisabetta Large Tray in Charcoal Grey by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Elisabetta is a tray made of powder-coated aluminium, whose sober lines and intelligent design make it both a practical and elegant object. Enzo Mari is one of the masters of Ital...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Aluminum

Round Tray by Rede Guzzini
Located in London, GB
Round tray in faux tortoise with silver plate frame by Rede Guzzini, circa 1970.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

Charger Modern Vintage André Fu Living Tableware New Plate
Located in CENTRAL, HK
Larger quantities available upon request, with 8 weeks production time. Description: Charger Color: Blue and gold Size: 31 Ø x 2.5 H cm Material: Porcelain and gold Collection: Mode...
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Gold

Phil Circular Tray in Polished Aluminium with a T-Shape Handle by Bijou Jain
Located in Milan, IT
Phil is a family of metallic trays designed by Indian designer Bojou Jain. This model of Phil is conceived in polished aluminium with a circular base. ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Aluminum

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

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

21st Century Italian Solid Silver Cruet in the Shape of a Watering Can
Located in VALENZA, IT
Nice cruet in solid 800 silver. Completely handmade, it faithfully reproduces the shape of a watering can. It can be used for pouring other types of liquids or sauces. Very elegant ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver

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 Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

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

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

21st Century Ceramic Set of 6 Pieces Serving Round Dishes Handmade Made in Italy
Located in Milan, IT
Six concentric ceramic serving round dishes - trays handmade and hand-decorated of shades of red and warm colors and varying diameter and height, and that, once they are inside each...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic

New Modern Sushi Tray in White Michelangelo Marble Creator Ivan Colominas
Located in Milan, IT
The idealized meeting of east and west has led Colominas to consider a sushi set that embodies Japan’s Minimalist aesthetic with attention to detail for even...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

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

White Marble Elipse Cheese Boards Set
Located in Mexico City, MX
Carved Veneciano white marble cheese boards. Handmade in México by local craftsmen. Dimensions: Small: 34 D x 18 W x 2 H cm Large: 42 D x 22 W x 2 H cm. Production time: 6-8 week...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

Gambino Small Ceramic Riser by Aldo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Gambino is a ceramic riser designed by Aldo Cibic, it is available in two color versions (red and green). The product is part of Table Joy Collection: a...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic

White Murano Glass Covered Dish by Tommaso Barbi
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Tommaso Barbi murano covered dish white glass with silver inclusions - part of a collection What's unique about this Tommaso Barbi desi...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Murano Glass

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

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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