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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Emilia Castillo Silver-Plated Ladle with Malachite Parrot, Mexican Modernism
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A whimsical and collectible silver-plated ladle designed and handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico by renowned designer Emilia Castillo. Made in solid brass and finished with a rich silver pl...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Malachite, Silver Plate, Brass

Whimsical French Fish Serving Tray
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a striking and whimsical fish-shaped serving piece, crafted in France, as indicated by the hallmark stamped into the metal. The platter itself is a combination of richly tone...
Category

20th Century French Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Stainless Steel

Contemporary Silver Plated Perla Cup White Handcrafted Italy by Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Elevate your daily tea or coffee ritual with our exquisite Perla cup. Handcrafted with plated brass, its geometric silhouette narrows at the base for a sleek and minimal aesthetic. T...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass

20thC Solid Silver Novelty Five-Piece Gardening Condiment Set, Garrard c.1994
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A wonderful 20th Century English novelty solid silver five-piece 'gardening' cruet set. Comprising of a pepper modelled as a watering can, a mustard pot modelled as a flower pot with...
Category

20th Century British Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver

Lacquered Wooden Tray with Handles – Seashell
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Bold and playful, this lacquered wooden tray features a vibrant green background adorned with a striking seashell motif. Finished with a smooth, glossy surface and practical cut-out ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Monkey
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Add a touch of exotic elegance to your home with this hand-painted iron tray. Set against a sleek black background with gold accents, the design features a tropical palm tree and a m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Seashell
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Make a bold statement with our hand-painted iron decorative tray, featuring a seashell on a bright pink background. Perfect for display, this tray adds a touch of the beach to any sp...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

Hammered Silver-Plated Ice Bucket by Emilia Castillo, Mexican Modernism
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant hand-hammered silver-plated ice bucket designed and crafted by Emilia Castillo in Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico. Made of brass with a silver-plated finish, the piece showcases an o...
Category

1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Gold Lacquered Wooden Tray with Handles – Coral
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Bold and playful, this lacquered wooden tray features a gold background adorned with a red coral motif. Finished with a smooth, glossy surface and practical cut-out handles, it’s per...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

Rosenthal Andy Warhol featuring Beethoven Glass Plate
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Rosenthal Glass Plate, featuring Beethoven by Andy Warhol, quite possibly the greatest pop art artist of our time. Shortly before his death in 1987, Warhol created a serie of portr...
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Glass, Cut Glass

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Fish
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Make a bold statement with our hand-painted iron decorative tray, featuring fish on a dark background. Perfect for display, this tray adds a touch of the beach to any space. Intended...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Giraffe
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Bring vibrant charm to your decor with our hand-painted iron tray, featuring a giraffe design on a teal blue background. Perfect for adding a playful yet sophisticated touch to coffe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Red Zebra
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Bring vibrant charm to your decor with our hand-painted iron tray, featuring a striking zebra design on a bold red background. Perfect for adding a playful yet sophisticated touch to...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

Contemporary Modern, Esnaf Pink Party Platter
Located in İstanbul, İstanbul
Esnaf collection is inspired by the ever-curios carts and tools of street vendors of Istanbul. The collection takes its cues from the colorful and quirky geometric compositions of th...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Sheet Metal

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Yellow Zebra
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Bring vibrant charm to your decor with our hand-painted iron tray, featuring a striking zebra design on a bold yellow background. Perfect for adding a playful yet sophisticated touch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

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

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Flamingo
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Add a touch of exotic elegance to your home with this hand-painted iron tray. Set against a sleek black background with gold accents, the design features a tropical palm tree and a f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

Lacquered Wooden Tray with Handles – Seahorse
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Bold and playful, this lacquered wooden tray features a vibrant green background adorned with a striking seahorse motif. Finished with a smooth, glossy surface and practical cut-out ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

Elephant Pink Handpainted Iron Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Handpainted Elephant iron tray this product is unique and handmade and can be used as a serving tray of just as a decorative item
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

Whimsical Emilia Castillo Silver Porcelain Salt Pepper Shakers, 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare and playful pair of salt and pepper shakers by renowned Mexican designer Emilia Castillo, handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico during the 1980s. Each piece combines fine porcelain wit...
Category

1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver

Saint Jacques Hand-Painted Ceramic Tray Made in Italy
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Enhance your summer entertaining with the elegant Ceramic Saint Jacques Platter. Expertly handcrafted and beautifully hand-painted in Italy, this platter feature distinctive scalloped-edge detailing inspired by the iconic Saint Jacques seashell. The charming design and artisanal craftsmanship make them a perfect choice for stylish outdoor dining or festive indoor gatherings. Ideal for serving fresh seafood, appetizers, or delightful desserts, these plates add a touch of Mediterranean flair and sophistication to your table...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Fitz and Floyd Porcelain Gilded Desert or Appetizer Shell Plates Set / 4
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

Gucci Hallmarked Silver Plated Demitasse / Coffee Serving Spoons Set 12 Vintage
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Gucci Hallmarked Silver Plated Demitasse Serving Spoons Set 12 Vintage This lovely set of 12 small signed Italian Gucci demitasse spoons have the the classic horse bit design. They ...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Bronze

Stunning Silver Plated Serving Tray by Emilia Castillo, Mexico 1980 s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your dining experience with this exquisite Stunning Silver Plated Serving Tray designed and manufactured in Taxco, Mexico by Emilia Castillo, crafted in Mexico in the 1980's....
Category

1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver, Copper

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Cheetah
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Make a bold statement with our hand-painted iron tray, featuring a striking cheetah design on a sleek black background. Perfect for adding a touch of wild elegance to coffee tables, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Palm Tree
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Add a tropical touch to your decor with our hand-painted iron tray, featuring a stunning palm tree design on a serene blue background. Perfect for coffee tables, shelves, or wall dis...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

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

21st Century and Contemporary Romanian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

Robert Wilhelm Of RAW Design Aero Handmade Wooden Saltshaker Pepper Mill Grinder
Located in Miami, FL
Designer Mill Aero AE-13 in Olive Green, Orange, Black and White in Wood Saltshaker or Pepper Mill Grinder. Robert Wilhelm of Raw Design creates this Aero wooden saltshaker or pepper...
Category

2010s American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

Hammered Silver Serving Utensils with Sculptural Scrolled Handles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant pair of silver-plated serving utensils designed and handcrafted by Emilia Castillo in Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico, circa 1980s. Each piece is composed of solid brass with a silve...
Category

1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Joseph Heinrichs, New York. Pure Copper and Sterling Silver Platters
Located in San Francisco, CA
Joseph Heinrichs, New York, pure copper and sterling silver platters Beautiful matching pair of platters by Jos. Heinrichs. Each platter is stamped...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver, Copper

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

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Butterflies
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Make a bold statement with our hand-painted iron decorative tray, featuring butterflies. Perfect for display, this tray adds a touch of the nature to any space. Intended for decorati...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Zebra
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Add a touch of exotic elegance to your home with this hand-painted iron tray. Set against a sleek black background with gold accents, the design features a tropical palm tree and a z...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

Porteño Large Black/Cream Hand Painted Wood and Alpaca Silver Tray
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The urban and cosmopolitan Porteño family carries the spirit of the ones born in Buenos Aires city or “Porteño”, as they are commonly known. Its boxes, trays and flower vases have a ...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

Cónica Cake Stand in Black Marble
Located in Mexico City, MX
Cake stand in carved Monterrey black marble. Handmade in Mexico. Production time: 6-8 weeks for items without marble / 13-14 weeks for marble pieces. Shipping +10 additional busines...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

Crystal "Atlas" Trinket Box Tiffany Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous crystal "Atlas" lidded trinket box and by Tiffany & Co. circa 1990's. The box is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 6.5"W x 4"D x 2"H. Co...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Crystal

Small Io Marble Platter by on.Entropy in Brown, Green or W 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

Alexandria Oval Ceramic by Jaime Hayon
Located in Milan, IT
Alexandria is an oval ceramic bowl with brass stand, it is available in two color versions: white or anthracite. Alexandria is part of the collection Ne...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass

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

Silver-Plated Serving Utensils by Emilia Castillo, Mexico 1980 s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your dining experience with these exquisite Silver-Plated Serving Utensils designed and manufactured in Taxco, Mexico by renowned Mexican artisan Emilia Castillo. These stun...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver, Copper

Flowers 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 Vietnamese Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

Contemporary Hand Blown "Coral Reef Glass Upstand" Sea Creatures Nature Ocean
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
A Hand-Blown Glass Upstand by Simone Crestani Coral Reef Upstand is one of the pieces from the Coral Collection. This exquisite upstand is inspired by the captivating and intricate...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Glass

Sottsass Ettore design for Alessi 5079 containers for condiments in steel
Located in Biella, IT
Sottsass Ettore desihn for Alessi base containers for condiments in steel of years '80 the sell is for one but are to disposition two of this alessi c...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Stainless Steel

Oval 24k Gold Plated and Bronzed Pink Mirrored Glass Tray by Umberto Mascagni
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This tray is made in bronze-pink silvered glass with a 24k gold plated frame. . It is a vintage item, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can b...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Gold Plate

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

Stone, Onyx, Metal

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

21st Century and Contemporary Romanian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

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

Willy Rizzo Drink Trays, Brass, Polished Stainless Steel, Signed
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

Modernist Chrome Toothpick Holder by Russel Wright for Chase Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice modernist toothpick holder by Russel Wright for Chase & Co., circa 1940s. The piece is in very good condition and measures 3.25" D x 3" H. It is marked "Chase" with compa...
Category

20th Century American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Chrome

Contemporary Silver Plated Ice Bucket Sculptural Feet Carved by Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Designed as part of a collection for the Venice Biennale, the Ice Cooler epitomizes Natalia Criado’s fusion of Colombian symbolism and Italian artistry. The "exotic" three feet that ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass, Silver Plate

Stainless Steel "Houston" Flatware by Ralph Lauren
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and hard to find set of "Houston" stainless steel flatware by Ralph Lauren, circa 1990s. The set consists of five pieces and there are six place settings for a total of 30 ...
Category

Late 20th Century Korean Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

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

Contemporary Server Silver Plated Set Handcrafted in Italy by Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Elevate your dining experience with the Artefacto Spatula. Immerse yourself in the art of serving with grace and elegance using this exquisite spatula, expertly crafted in Italy from...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass, Silver Plate

Silverplate Butter Dish With Lizard Turquoise Inlay by Emilia Castillo, Mexico
Located in Los Angeles, CA
ver the elegance of this Emilia Castillo silverplate butter dish, featuring a unique hammered design and a stunning silver lizard accent with turquo...
Category

1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Stone, Silver

Eye Birchwood Serving Tray Blue
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 Romanian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

Exotic Wood Breakfast Serving Tray Macassar and Ebony
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Serving Tray Exotic Zebra Wood Macassar and Ebony Breakfast in Bed Tray 2.5 h x 24.5 w x 14 d Original unrestored vintage condi...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Ebony, Macassar

Georg Jensen Annual Spoon Collection in Gilt Sterling Silver with Enamel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a thoughtfully cultivated collection of Gold-plated Sterling Silver Spoons from Georg Jensen's 'Annual Blossom' collection, initially designed by Annelise Bjorne and then edi...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

Lacquered Wooden Tray with Handles – Turtle
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Bold and playful, this lacquered wooden tray features a vibrant yellow background adorned with a turtle motif. Finished with a smooth, glossy surface and practical cut-out handles, i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood

Medium Pisara Spoon by Antrei Hartikainen
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium 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 ...
Category

2010s Finnish Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Maple

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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