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Fornasetti Furniture

The Italian artist, illustrator and furniture maker Piero Fornasetti was one of the wittiest and most imaginative design talents of the 20th century. He crafted an inimitable decorative style from a personal vocabulary of images that included birds, butterflies, hot-air balloons, architecture and — most frequently, and in some 500 variations — an enigmatic woman’s face based on that of the 19th-century opera singer Lina Cavalieri. Fornasetti used transfer prints of these images, rendered in the style of engravings, to decorate an endless variety of furnishings and housewares that ranged from chairs, tables and desks to dinner plates, lamps and umbrella stands. His work is archly clever, often surreal and always fun.

Fornasetti was born in Milan, the son of an accountant, and he lived his entire life in the city. He showed artistic talent as a child and enrolled at Milan’s Brera Academy of Fine Art in 1930, but was expelled after two years for consistently failing to follow his professors’ orders. A group of his hand-painted silk scarves, displayed in the 1933 Triennale di Milano, caught the eye of the architect and designer Gio Ponti, who, in the 1940s, became Fornasetti’s collaborator and patron. Beginning in the early 1950s, they created a striking a series of desks, bureaus and secretaries that pair Ponti’s signature angular forms with Fornasetti’s decorative motifs — lighthearted arrangements of flowers and birds on some pieces, austere architectural imagery on others. The two worked together on numerous commissions for interiors, though their greatest project has been lost: the first-class lounges and restaurants of the luxury ocean liner Andrea Doria, which sank in 1956.

Fornasetti furnishings occupy an unusual and compelling niche in the decorative arts: they are odd yet pack a serious punch. They act, essentially, as functional sculpture. A large Fornasetti piece such as a cabinet or a desk can change the character of an entire room; his smaller works have the aesthetic power of a vase of flowers, providing a bright and alluring decorative note. The chimerical, fish-nor-fowl nature of Fornasetti’s work may be its greatest strength. It stands on its own. Bringing the Fornasetti look into the future is Barnaba Fornasetti, who took the reins of the company after his father's death.

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Creator: Fornasetti
Vintage Piero Fornasetti Hand-painted Ceramic Spezie Jar, Italy 1960s
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti, Gio Ponti
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful lidded porcelain jar with an amazing hand-painted pattern. From the series 'Spezie' (Spices). Designed and produced by Piero Fornasetti in Milano, Italy. Early production...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Decorative Ceramic Cat Bitossi Fiorato, Gold Flowers on Turquoise
By Fornasetti
Located in MILANO, IT
A coveted collector’s item as early as the 1950s, Fornasetti cats surprise with the sophisticated decorations that colour their surroundings with sheer ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Piero Fornasetti Malachite Green Plate Nummus 3 Milano Italy 1955 Mid Century
By Fornasetti
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a very rare Piero Fornasetti decorative plate sold in "As Is" condition in a malachite green, model Nummus 3, part of the Roman Coin Series. Small nick to the edge of plate ...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

1960s Mid-Century Modern Cigarette Box Le Porte Di Milano by Piero Fornasetti
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A beautiful and rare mid-century modern cigarette box designed by the renowned Italian artist, Piero Fornasetti (1913-1988), in the 1960s. This piece is part of the iconic "Le Porte ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

FORNASETTI Tema E Variazioni Porcelain Plate #281
By Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Piero Fornasetti "Tema e Variazioni" porcelain plate depicting the face of the famous opera singer Lina Cavalieri on a nude female torso, no.281 / made in Milano Italy circa ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Piero Fornasetti Araldiche Tray Table, 1950
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Conversano, IT
Made in Italy in the 1950s, this extraordinary tray table by Piero Fornasetti represents one of the highest points of his decorative production. Entirely made of silk-screened and ha...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Iron

Set 12 Porcelain Plates Adamo Black/White
By Fornasetti
Located in MILANO, IT
This set of twelve hand-decorated porcelain plates, as a whole, forms the figure of Adamo. You can use the ensemble for ornamental purposes ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Piero Fornasetti Strumenti Musical or Libri Screen
By Fornasetti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An iconic mid-size screen depicting a library shelf on one side and musical instruments on the verso. A period example, circa 1954. Measures: 53 1/2" high.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Wood

Modern Art Porcelain Plates, 4
By Limoges, Jean Cocteau, Fornasetti
Located in Astoria, NY
Group of Four Modern Art Porcelain Plates, comprising: set of three Jean Cocteau limoges portrait dishes, marked "Limoges / France" to the underside and Fornasetti "Zodiacus" circula...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Fornasetti Architecture Tin
By Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tin can in black and white architectural motif / designed by Piero Fornasetti for DROPS / made in Italy Diameter: 3.5 inches / height: 11 inches 1 available in stock in Italy Order r...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Tin

Fornasetti Architecture Tin
Fornasetti Architecture Tin
$262 Sale Price
30% Off
Fornasetti paper weight 1962 Zodiac calendar
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in London, GB
Rare Fornasetti porcelain paperweight with Zodiac calendar c1962
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Piero Fornasetti Mid-Century Ceramic Bowl / Ashtray, Italy 1960s.
By Piero Fornasetti, Gio Ponti, Fornasetti
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful bowl / ashtray / trinket dish / jewelry holder with amazing decor. Designed and produced by Piero Fornasetti in Milano, Italy. Early production, 1960s. Great original c...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Piero Fornasetti, mod. 187 "Theme and Variations" series plate, Fornasetti 1960
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Firenze, IT
Mod. 187 "Theme and Variations" series serigraphed porcelain plate Prod. Fornasetti, Milan, Italy, ca. 1960 Serigraphed porcelain. Diam: 25.5 cm Marked Conditions: Excellent, no...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Piero Fornasetti Vintage Gilded Ceramic Jars Serie Spighe , Italy 1960s
By Fornasetti, Gio Ponti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful lidded porcelain jars with an amazing hand-painted gold pattern. From the series 'Spighe' (Spikes). Designed and produced by Piero Fornasetti in Milano, Italy. Ea...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 4 Vintage Piero Fornasetti Ceramic Dinner Plates Posateria , Italy 1950s
By Piero Fornasetti, Gio Ponti, Fornasetti
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of 4 beautiful dinner plates with amazing hand-painted gold decor. From the series 'Posateria' (cutlery). All with different motifs. Designed and produced by Piero Fornasett...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Fornasetti Italy bulls eye convex round mirror brass mid century ring hook
By Fornasetti
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Unusual round multi convex mirror - brass frame with round ring holder... signed with back gold sticker
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Brass

Fornasetti "BOSCO" Screen édition spécial pour "Paradis"de Betony Vernon
By Fornasetti
Located in Rome, RM
The "BOSCO" screen is a unique piece designed by Fornasetti for Betony Vernon's showroom in Paris in 2008. A unique piece composed of 5 rather that the standard 3 or 4 panels. Wheel...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Fornasetti Bookends Gift Tema E Variazioni N. 171 Black/White/Red Metal
By Fornasetti
Located in MILANO, IT
There can be wit and unpredictability in the order: this was Fornasetti idea when he designed his first bookends. The mix of images with their functional design make these accessorie...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

1960s Classical Set of Two Bookends " Porta di Venezia " by Piero Fornasetti
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This rare and visually captivating set of two bookends by Piero Fornasetti, dating from the 1960s, showcases the designer’s signature fusion of classical imagery and surrealist charm...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Iron

Set of 6 Astronomici Tea Cups
By Fornasetti
Located in Milan, IT
This set of hand-decorated porcelain tea cups with gold accents is adorned with exquisite zodiac designs, making this ensemble a true collector's item. Any minor discrepancies betwee...
Category

2010s Italian Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Fornasetti Wall Plate Tema E Variazioni N. 221
By Jonathan Adler, Fornasetti
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful wall plate with the interpretation of opera singer Lina Cavalieri’s face are the basis of the iconic Tema e Variazioni series by Fornasetti. Beautiful hand-decorated porce...
Category

20th Century Italian Baroque Revival Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

FORNASETTI Tema E Variazioni Porcelain Plate #81
By Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Piero Fornasetti "Tema e Variazioni" porcelain plate depicting the smoking face of the famous opera singer Lina Cavalieri, no.81 / made in Milano Italy circa 1960 Original ma...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Two 1960s Mid-Century Modern Musical Instruments Plates by Piero Fornasetti
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
These two 1960s Mid-Century Modern decorative plates by Piero Fornasetti typically exemplify his whimsical and artistic approach to design.The plates depict intricate surreal illustr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

FORNASETTI Pair of Vintage Table Lamps
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian table lamp with painted metal decorated with violet flowers (lithographical and transfer-printed) and brass / made in Milan Italy in the 1980s Original label on the b...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

FORNASETTI Pair of Vintage Table Lamps
FORNASETTI Pair of Vintage Table Lamps
$3,849 Sale Price / set
30% Off
FORNASETTI Grande Antico Gold Cocktail Plate by Fornasetti
By Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage gilt decorated GRANDE ANTICO porcelain plate by Piero Fornasetti / made in Milano Italy circa 1950s Original mark on the back Diameter 9.5 inches, height 1 inch 1 available i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Piero Fornasetti Vintage Gilded Ceramic Jars Serie Spighe , Italy 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti, Gio Ponti
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful lidded porcelain jars with an amazing hand-painted gold pattern. From the series 'Spighe' (Spikes). Designed and produced by Piero Fornasetti in Milano, Italy. Ea...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Piero Fornasetti Vintage Gilded Ceramic Jars Serie Spighe , Italy 1960s
By Gio Ponti, Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful lidded porcelain jars with an amazing hand-painted gold pattern. From the series 'Spighe' (Spikes). Designed and produced by Piero Fornasetti in Milano, Italy. Ea...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Piero Fornasetti Commedia Dell arte Maschere Italiane Porcelain Plates
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti set of four Porcelain Commedia Dell'arte Maschere Italiane Porcelain lates, Italian Masks, circa 1970s Each plate depicts a character from the Commedia Dell'ar...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

FORNASETTI Pair of Vintage Table Lamps
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian table lamp with painted metal decorated with cameos on red background (lithographical and transfer-printed) and brass / made in Milan Italy in the 1980s Original labe...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

FORNASETTI Pair of Vintage Table Lamps
FORNASETTI Pair of Vintage Table Lamps
$3,849 Sale Price / set
30% Off
Fornasetti Enamel Metal Mahogany Box
By Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage decorative matches box with enamel metal portraying a hot air balloon and mahogany wood insert / designed by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy in the 1960s Length: 4.5 inches /...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

Fornasetti Porcelain Surrealist Themes Variation Plate, #260
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Fornasetti porcelain Surrealist Themes & Variation plate #260, The Snail, Atelier Fornasetti The Fornasetti porcelain plate in the Themes & Variation pattern depicts a surreal depic...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Piero Fornasetti Boxer Umbrella Stand
By Fornasetti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Piero Fornasetti Boxer Umbrella Stand A whimsical example. Late 1970s/80s example
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

1960s Set of Six Fornasetti Tea Cups and Saucers White and Gold Ceramic Signed
By Fornasetti
Located in London, GB
A good vintage Set of six Fornasetti porcelain tea/coffee cups and saucers with geometrical gold decor. Each cup and saucer bearing the signature and logo. Made in Italy ca.1960s ...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Original Fornasetti Curved Chest Of Drawers
By Fornasetti
Located in Kent, Dover
An original Fornasetti Chest "Archittetura" Produced by Atelier Fornasetti in lithographically printed hand painted and lacquered rosewood, with brass fittings, these pieces of furn...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Beech

FORNASETTI Zodiac Libra Silk Screen Print
By Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Piero Fornasetti "Libra" silk screen print on masonite / made in Milano Italy, 1990s Width: 12 inches / Height: 12 inches / Depth: 1 inch 1 available...
Category

20th Century Italian Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Paper

Fornasetti Neoclassical Trompe l oeil Teste Antiche Umbrella Stand
By Fornasetti
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Divine Piero Fornasetti umbrella stand crafted from hand silk screened and lacquered metal. Trompe l'oeil Teste Antiche or antique heads in a Greco-Roman theme. Excellent joinery and...
Category

20th Century Italian Neoclassical Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Iron

1960s by Piero Fornasetti for Testa Studio Advertising Plate
By Fornasetti
Located in Brescia, IT
Piero Fornasetti by Armando Testa Studio Very rare and limited series, Italy, 1960s.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Piero Fornasetti, Vintage Plate from the Series of Church Domes Cupole d Italia
By Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Decorated porcelain Plate number 5 from the series Cupole d’Italia: Cupola di San Lorenzo a Torino. Each plate with a different dome of an Italian church seen from the inside named and numbered on the reverse. These plates were designed and executed for building contractor Andrea Brenta, Milan, as Christmas presents...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

FORNASETTI Vintage Table Lamp
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian table lamp with painted metal decorated in various musical instruments (lithographical and transfer-printed) and brass / made in Milan Italy in the 1980s Original lab...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

FORNASETTI Vintage Table Lamp
FORNASETTI Vintage Table Lamp
$1,925 Sale Price
30% Off
Sun Floor Lamp by Fornasetti, Italy, 1990s
By Fornasetti
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Floor lamp sun face in soft stamped plastic by Fornasetti for the editor Antonangeli Illuminazione.
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Plastic

FORNASETTI Pair of Vintage Table Lamps
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian table lamp with painted metal decorated with book motif and butterfly (lithographical and transfer-printed) and brass / made in Milan Italy in the 1980s Original labe...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

FORNASETTI Pair of Vintage Table Lamps
FORNASETTI Pair of Vintage Table Lamps
$3,849 Sale Price / set
30% Off
Exceptional Table by Piero Fornasetti
By Fornasetti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare occasional table featuring classically-rendered decorative faces on a brass tripod base. Great vibrant coloring and attractive fading. (Please confirm item location NY or NJ ...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Wood

Rare Vintage Mid-20th Century Limited edition Fornasetti Umbrella Stand
By Fornasetti
Located in London, GB
This highly decorative piece is in excellent condition and a rare subject depicting bags & light luggage from the mid-20th century. There is also an image showing the limited edition...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

Piero Fornasetti N 8 Coaster Ceramic 1950
By Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
Fornasetti.
Category

1950s Italian Other Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Piero Fornasetti Vide Poche or Trinket Dish
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic small dish which could be used as a Vide Poche, catchall, jewelry tray, etc designed by Piero Fornasetti. Great musical theme and very good condition.
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Fornasetti Bar Stool Tergonomico Handcrafted Black and White Wood
By Fornasetti
Located in MILANO, IT
The Fornasetti chairs and stools are going to be the most surprising detail of your house. This stool is handcrafted using original artisan techniques. It is silk-screened by han...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

FORNASETTI Architecture Table Lamp by Fornasetti
By Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage "Architecture" hand-silk-screened table lamp in brass and metal / designed by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy in the 1980s Original label at underside Height: 16.5 inches / D...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

Fornasetti Theme Variations Porcelain Plate No. 218 with Original Box
By Fornasetti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine designer porcelain plate. By Fornasetti. From the Theme & Variations series (Tema e Variazioni) Model no. 218. With a depiction of Lina Cavalliere's face behind fruit (inc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Set di sei piatti, design Piero FORNASETTI serie Strumenti Musicali. Anni 50
By Fornasetti
Located in Torino, IT
Set di sei piatti, design Piero FORNASETTI serie Strumenti Musicali. ORIGINE Milano PERIODO Anni 50 DESIGNER Piero FORNASETTI MARCA Fornasetti - Milano MODELLO Piatti della seri...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

FORNASETTI Tema E Variazioni Porcelain Plate #14
By Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Piero Fornasetti "Tema e Variazioni" porcelain plate depicting the face of the famous opera singer Lina Cavalieri through a keyhole, no.14 / made in Milano Italy circa 1960 O...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Fornasetti Milano Fiori Pattern Porcelain Plates, Set of Twelve, circa 1965
By Fornasetti
Located in Kinderhook, NY
An incredibly rare set of 12 large porcelain dinner plates in the 'Fiori' pattern designed by Piero Fornasetti and produced by Fornasetti - Milano, circa 1965. There are two plates o...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Lampada da Tavolo Squadrata Serie "Architettura" di Fornasetti Anni 90
By Fornasetti
Located in Milano, MI
Lampada da tavolo squadrata, collezione 'Architettura', realizzata da Fornaaetti negli anni '90 Ø cm 10 h cm 45 La base per lampada è realizzata in metallo serigrafato a mano, cara...
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Early Rare Piero Fornasetti Corona di fiori Convex Optical Mirror, Italy 1950s
By Fornasetti, Gio Ponti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Malmö, SE
This is an early and rare example of the black and white version of the 'Corona di fiori' wall mirror, with convex optical mirrors. Designed and produced by Piero Fornasetti in the m...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Lacquer

Fornasetti Bookends Strumenti Musicali Gold on Red Metal
By Fornasetti
Located in MILANO, IT
There can be wit and unpredictability in the order: this was Fornasetti idea when he designed his first bookends. The mix of images with their functional design make these accessorie...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

Set of Four Malachite Fornasetti Plates
By Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four Malachite Fornasetti plates.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Malachite

Fornasetti Surrealist Themes Variations Plate, #18, Fornasetti, "Circles"
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Fornasetti Porcelain Themes Variation Plate, #18, Circles, Atelier Fornasetti The Fornasetti porcelain plate in the Themes Variation pattern depicts a depiction of the ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Cylindrical Metal Lamp Base Viso Black/White, Iconical Fornasetti Face Decor
By Fornasetti
Located in MILANO, IT
The cylindrical shape allows Fornasetti's imagination to create surprising decorative effects in which the shapes follow one another endlessly. The metafisical face design makes this hand-silkscreened metal lamp base...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

Pietro Fornasetti, Rare metal Bookend Janus Two-Faced 1950s (First edition)
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Argelato, BO
Pietro Fornasetti, Rare metal bookend from the 1950s (First edition) In the extraordinary creative imagination of Pietro Fornasetti every household object is transformed and embelli...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

Face Pendent Light by Fornasetti
By Fornasetti
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional example of the unique artistry of Piero Fornasetti, this iconic “Face” Pendant Light from the 1960s is a striking piece of Italian design history. The ceiling luminair...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

Fornasetti Silk Cushion Peccato Originale Original Sin
By Fornasetti
Located in MILANO, IT
The Fornasetti cushions will add to each room an unexpected detail thanks to the most iconic Italian atelier designs. The decoration features a snake holding the forbidden fruit in its jaws, and surrounded by hand painted leaves. It is inspired by the biblical original sin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Silk

Fornasetti furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Fornasetti furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of ceramic and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Fornasetti furniture, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 143 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 53 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Fornasetti were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Richard Ginori, Alfredo Barbini, and La Murrina. Prices for Fornasetti furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $274 and can go as high as $32,216, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,614.
Questions About Fornasetti Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Fornasetti plates are hand-made in Italy. They continue a tradition of excellent craftsmanship that goes back to founder Piero Fornasetti, who established the atelier during the 1950s. Shop antique and modern Fornasetti plates from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Fornasetti is an art design company that produces furniture and home accessories decorated by hand. Piero Fornasetti established the company in Milan, Italy, during the 1950s as his atelier. As of December 2021, his son, Barnaba Fornasetti, heads the company. You'll find a selection of Fornasetti on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Piero Fornasetti was an Italian artist and designer born in Milan, Italy, in 1913. In 1950, he founded an atelier in the city, creating furniture and home decorations. Fornasetti died on October 9, 1988. His company, Fornasetti, continues to produce hand-decorated decor under the guidance of his son Barnaba Fornasetti. Find a collection of Fornasetti on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    The style of Fornasetti is mid-century modern. The Italian artist and designer crafted an inimitable decorative style from a personal library of images rendered in transfer print engravings, including birds, butterflies, hot-air balloons, architecture and an enigmatic woman's face, to decorate an endless variety of furnishings and housewares that range from chairs, tables and decorative objects to dinner plates, table lamps and umbrella stands. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Piero Fornasetti art, furniture and decorative objects.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    You can buy Fornasetti directly from the brand's online store. In addition, numerous brick-and-mortar retailers around the world carry Fornasetti pieces. You can also shop for the brand's furniture and home décor on multiple online platforms. You'll find a collection of Fornasetti on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    How you display Fornasetti plates is largely a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer to rest them flat on a low table or shelf, while others position them upright on plate stands. You can also thread string or twine through the two holes found on the back of every piece and display it as wall art. Find a collection of Fornasetti plates on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To burn a Fornasetti candle, first trim the wick to remove any soot. Then, light the candle and allow it to burn for up to three hours. Use a snuffer to extinguish the candle, as blowing out the flame can disturb the wax. Find a collection of Fornasetti on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Opera singer Natalina ‘Lina’ Cavalieri is the face that inspired Piero Fornasetti throughout his artistic career, from his plates to wallpaper and more. Lina Cavalieri was known as the most beautiful woman in the world during her lifetime from 1874-1944. It was eight years after Cavalieri’s death that Fornasetti came across her image in a magazine and was thereby inspired to replicate it repetitively. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Fornasetti plates from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    The style of art by Fornasetti varied. His use of whimsical motifs has often led his artwork to be associated with Surrealism, while his use of repetitive imagery, like in his many prints featuring opera singer Lina Cavalieri, skewed toward Pop art. As a designer, his works reflected mid-century modern sensibilities with a playful twist. Explore a collection of Piero Fornasetti art and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, each and every Fornasetti design is hand made and hand painted. The colors are expertly applied by painters, ensuring no two items are alike. You’ll find a variety of Fornasetti designs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To hang Fornasetti plates, thread a length of string through the two small holes found on the tops of their backs. Tie the string in a secure knot and then hang from a nail, screw or hook. Avoid using plate hanger hardware, as it could crack or damage the plates. You'll find a collection of Fornasetti plates on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
    Piero Fornasetti is famous for his work as a designer. The Italian artist was one of the wittiest and most imaginative talents of the 20th century. Fornasetti crafted an inimitable decorative style from a personal vocabulary of images that included birds, butterflies, hot-air balloons, architecture and — most frequently, and in some 500 variations — an enigmatic woman's face based on that of opera singer Lina Cavalieri. Fornasetti used transfer prints of these images, rendered in the style of engravings, to decorate an endless variety of furnishings and housewares that ranged from chairs, tables and decorative objects to dinner plates, table lamps and umbrella stands. His work is archly clever, often Surrealist and always fun. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Piero Fornasetti pieces.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Whether or not Piero Fornasetti images are in the public domain depends on the image. The artist produced more than 11,000 works during his lifetime. Only some no longer carry a copyright and are in the public domain. Shop a range of Fornasetti on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    No, every Fornasetti porcelain figurine is handmade. In fact, the brand produces all of their home decorative items by hand at their workshop in Milan, Italy. If you see indications that a figurine came from a factory, it is likely not an authentic Fornasetti. Shop a collection of expertly vetted Fornasetti on 1stDibs.