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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Peruvian Modernistic Sterling Silver Coffee Service Set
Located in Atlanta, GA
A sterling silver coffee service set consists of six pieces: a coffee pot, a chocolate pot, a covered sugar bowl with a serving spoon, a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Peruvian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

1940s M Fred Hirsch MFH Elegant Sterling Silver Sugar Creamer Set
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1940s Vintage M Fred Hirsch MFH elegant sterling silver sugar creamer set See provided images Stamped by maker Measures: 4 tall x 2 di...
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Ice Box by Bruno Munari
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage Italian ice box by Bruno Munari showcases a sleek modernist design with a black body and silver metal accents. Both sculptural and functional, it’s a bold statement piec...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

Three 1980s Modernist Silver Plated and Glass Serving Pieces by Lino Sabattini
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This silver-plated set designed by Lino Sabattini is composed of a cruet for oil and vinegar with crystal glass ampoules, one cheese bowl, and a salt and pepper shaker. The dimension...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

Pan Am World Airways 1980s Stainless Infinity Logo Flatware 4 Settings 24 pcs.
Located in Miami, FL
Pan Am World Airways 1980s Stainless Steel Flatware 24 pieces. A grouping of 4 place settings with the wavy Infinity design. This was the last design that Pan Am used before its dem...
Category

1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Stainless Steel

Italian modern metal irregular bowl or container cup by La Rinascente, 1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern metal irregular bowl or container cup by La Rinascente, 1990s. Bowl or container cup, small in size, made of metal and with an irregular shape, with a pointed end and ...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

Emilia Castillo Silver-Plated Fish-Handle Serving Set, Taxco Mexico
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking pair of handcrafted serving utensils designed and manufactured in Taxco, Mexico by celebrated silversmith Emilia Castillo. This sculptural set features fish-shaped handles...
Category

1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Contemporary Silver Plated Lava Stone Cup Handcrafted Italy by Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Elevate your daily tea or coffee ritual with our exquisite lava cup. Handcrafted with plated brass, its geometric silhouette offers a sleek and minimal aesthetic. The exquisite stone...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass

Michael Aram Silver Plate Serving Pieces I LOVE YOU Valentines Day Gift
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cleaver design by Michael Aram - serving pieces in silver plate that say I 'LOVE' U. Perfect for your Chef "mate' or as a wedding serving set! Gifts for any bride, groom, or chef!...
Category

20th Century Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

PEDRA – Sculptural Round Plate in Marble, Medium
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Manuel Aires Mateus creates four elegant stone platters inspired by a simple, circular shape, with beautiful Estremoz marble stone grooved in a classic pattern. Its unique look is ac...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

Rosenthal Andy Warhol Marilyn Monroe Glass Plate
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Rosenthal Glass Plate, featuring Marilyn Monroe by Andy Warhol, quite possibly the greatest pop art artist of our time. Maker: Rosenthal Andy Warhol. Rosenthal mark: left on the b...
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Glass, Cut Glass

Aldo Centerpiece by Arthur Arbesser
Located in Geneve, CH
Aldo centerpiece by Arthur Arbesser Masters Collection Dimensions: 36 x 12 cm Materials: Nero Marquinia, Rosso Levanto, Bianco Michelangelo, Arabescato Vagli Filo Rosso, Verde Gua...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

Bjorn Wiinblad White Porcelain Tray for Rosenthal, Germany, 20th Century
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Bjorn Wiinblad White Porcelain Tray for Rosenthal, Germany, 20th Century.
Category

20th Century German Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Modernist Chrome and Cobalt Candle Holders by Chase Co
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice pair of modernist chrome and cobalt candle holders by Chase & Co., circa 1940s. The chrome design features a 2.5" round cup on a coba...
Category

20th Century American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Chrome

Silver-Plated Alpacca Sugar Bowl and Creamer by Gio Ponti for Fratelli Calderoni
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of silver-plated alpacca vessels designed by Gio Ponti for Fratelli Calderoni, comprising a footed covered sugar bowl and creamer with hinged lid. Both pieces rest on pedesta...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

King Cutlery Caviar Spoon in Silver by Georg Jensen, 1940s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
In the series King Cutlery (Da: konge bestik) from Georg Jensen comes this small caviar spoon in Sterling Silver. The design dates from 1915. This particular spoon is an example from...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

1980 s Hula Girl Palm Tree Ceramic Tabletop Matching Salt Pepper Shaker Set
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-century brown and green ceramic hula girl and palm tree tabletop salt & pepper shaker set. The set features two beautifully a cute Hawaiian theme with a tropical scenic. Measure...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic

JUJUY Medium Pitcher, Silver Alpaca and Horn
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
This family is created with the inspiration of the beautiful province of Jujuy, in the North of Argentina, and the nature of its fertile valley. It is the first line of our collectio...
Category

2010s South American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

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

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

Dish in White Carrara Marble by Studioformart, Italy
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

Emilia Castillo "Parrot" Serving Utensils, Mexican Modernism
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A spectacular and whimsical pair of silver-plated serving utensils designed and handcrafted in Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico by celebrated artist Emilia Castillo. Known for her sculptural ...
Category

1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Malachite, Silver, Brass

Bjorn Wiinblad White Porcelain Lidded Bowl, Rosenthal, Germany, 20th Century
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Bjorn Wiinblad White Porcelain Lidded Bowl, Rosenthal, Germany, 20th Century.
Category

20th Century German Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary Cutlery Gold 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

Ceramic Salad Bowl, Ø 35cm x H 17cm 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 Spoon Rest, 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

Bjorn Wiinblad White Porcelain 6" Saucer for Rosenthal, Germany, 20th Century
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Bjorn Wiinblad White Porcelain 6" Saucer for Rosenthal, Germany, 20th Century.
Category

20th Century German Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Jujuy Small Round Champagne Bucket, Silver Alpaca and Horn
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
This family is created with the inspiration of the beautiful province of Jujuy, in the North of Argentina, and the nature of its fertile valley. It is the first line of our collectio...
Category

2010s South American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

Bjorn Wiinblad White Porcelain 7.38" Saucer for Rosenthal, Germany, 20th Century
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Bjorn Wiinblad White Porcelain 7.38" Saucer for Rosenthal, Germany, 20th Century.
Category

20th Century German Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Arthur Court Monkey Palm Leaf Platter Serving Dish Desk Trinket Tray Catch all
Located in Wayne, NJ
Rare Arthur Court Monkey Palm or possibly banana Leaf Platter Serving Dish Desk Tray Catchall . Would also be great for a key catch. vanity makeup holder...
Category

1990s American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

Marquise de Sevigne Paris Silver Plate Candy Bowl Serving Dish
By A La Marquise De Sevigne
Located in Atlanta, GA
This rare Art Deco silver plate candy bowl was hand-crafted for A La Marquise De Sévigné, the finest Paris chocolate store in the 1930s. The round Art Deco modernist shape has styliz...
Category

1930s French Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

New Modern Serving Tray in Nero and White Marble, creator Matteo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Serving tray in black Marquinia and White Michelangelo Marble. Size: 40.7 x 30 x 3 cm, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Danese, Homage Collection by the Italian designer Matteo C...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

Silver Plated Wine Bottle Holder with Grape
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Category

1970s German Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

Modern Stainless Steel Cream and Sugar Set by Carsten Jorgensen for Bodum
Located in San Diego, CA
A modern stainless steel cream and sugar set by Carsten Jorgensen for Bodum circa the 1980s. The set is in good vintage condition and measures 2.5"D x 3"H and 2.5"D x 4". Cool set ...
Category

20th Century Danish Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Stainless Steel

Valle Large 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

Stone, Onyx, Metal

1985 Iconic Alessi Sugar Bowl + Creamer designed by Michael Graves
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1985 Iconic Alessi sugar bowl and creamer designed by Michael Graves. Made Taiwan Stainless Steel Creamer 5 x 4 w x 2.5 h Sugar 5 x 4 x 3.63 h Original sugar spoon is included. ...
Category

1980s Taiwanese Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Stainless Steel

New Modern Tray/Chopping Board in White Carrara Marble, creator Studioformart
Located in Milan, IT
A little bit board and a little bit tray. The distinctive opening welcomes a glass, a napkin and makes for a better grip, which makes Paletta perfect for cock...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

Tray Hand Carved from Solid Block of White Marble, Rectangular, Made in Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
Tray or serving plates carved by hand from a solid block of white Calacatta marble. Tray dimensions: L 40, W 29.5, H 2 cm, available in different marbles and onyx. Marble is a natur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

Two-sided Maple Wood Cutting Board and Serving Plate, Quadrato, Made in Italy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beauty meets function. This two-sided cutting board is made with European maple butcher block and carved at the corners with an ergonomic shape for easy lifting and handling. It’s a dinner party staple accommodating your laborious food preparation on the broad, flat side of the board while your appetizer compositions can take shape on the distinctly scalloped side. Designed in Brooklyn by Italian-born architect Ale Preda for Miduny, this artisanal product is made in Italy by master craftsmen. This board design comes in two versions. Quadrato, the square version featured in this listing, measures 15.75" x 15.75" x 1.6" thick. It feels large, heavy and professional. Food safe finish. Maple from an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified mill. You’ll be confident to show off those German knife...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Maple

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

New Moon Large Glass Bell with Copper and Marble Tray by Elisa Ossino
Located in Milan, IT
New Moon is a blown glass bell with a tray in Carrara marble and copper. This object is part of the Lunar Landscape collection designed by Elisa Ossino, who created a collection of t...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Carrara Marble, Copper

Contemporary Gold Plated Lava Stone Cup Handcrafted Italy by Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Elevate your daily tea or coffee ritual with our exquisite lava cup. Handcrafted with plated brass, its geometric silhouette offers a sleek and minimal aesthetic. The exquisite stone...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass

Camille Cake Stand by Marc Dibeh
Located in Geneve, CH
Camille cake stand by Marc Dibeh 2014 Materials: French oak, brass Dimensions: D 40 x H 35 cm Beirut based designer Marc Dibeh narrates his cultural environment through compel...
Category

2010s Lebanese Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass

New Modern Tray in White Carrara Marble Creator Studioformart Stock
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

Hand Painted Pink Flamingo Glass Salt Pepper Shakers by Michel Design Works
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Hand-painted clear glass Salt and Pepper Set with Pink Flamingos scenic along the front by Michel Design Works . Each shaker features a pair of beautiful tropical pink Flamingos stan...
Category

1990s American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Steel

Ceramic Rectangular Tray Set, 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

Georg Jensen Pyramid caviar/butter knife sterling silver and horn.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful knife design from the well known George Jensen . Originally purchased in Fifth Avenue New York .
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

1970 "Ely" Italian Art Studio Design Silver Metal Agate Tray
Located in Brescia, IT
Tray Creation "Ely" Italy, 1970 Silver Metal and agate Very good condiction, slight scratches No cracks.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

Large Centerpiece Bowl in Hand-Painted Ceramic Signed Jurg Lanrein
Located in New York, NY
This stunning large scale modernist ceramic serving bowl was realized by the acclaimed artist Jurg Lanrein in Switzerland during the latter half of the 20...
Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Server Gold Plated Set Handcrafted in Italy by Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Elevate your dining experience with our artefacto servers. A fork and spoon – meticulously crafted from plated brass. Inspired by geometric forms and ornamental symbolism, this colle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass, Gold Plate

Set of Wooden Decorative Boards
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
Designed by Project 213A in 2022 Set of 4 hand-carved Wooden Boards The family of boards are hand-carved from walnut and oak. The boards will become a key item in every kitchen...
Category

2010s European Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Ghidini 1961 Omini Salt and Pepper Set in Gold by Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Salt and pepper in stainless steel with PVD treatment Omini is a family of products that plays on the inclusion and the relationship between the human figure with a series of monoli...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Stainless Steel

Saint Jacques Hand-Painted Ceramic Bowl Made in Italy
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Enhance your summer entertaining with the elegant Ceramic Saint Jacques Salad Bowl. Expertly handcrafted and beautifully hand-painted in Italy, this feature distinctive scalloped-edg...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Green 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

New Moon Small Glass Bell with Copper and Carrara Marble Tray by Elisa Ossino
Located in Milan, IT
New Moon is a blown glass bell with a tray in Carrara marble and copper. This object is part of the Lunar Landscape collection designed by Elisa Ossino, who created a collection of t...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Carrara Marble, Copper

Silver Plated Serving Tray with Golden Floral Etching
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant vintage rectangular metal tray featuring a gold-tone floral etching with graceful blossoms and leaves on a polished silver-tone surface. The tray includes curved gold handles...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Hand Cutlery Servers Golden Plated Handcrafted Italy Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Add an element of elegance and playfulness to your dinner table with our hand set. Handcrafted from metal and plated brass, its distinguishing feature is the anthropomorphic handle. ...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal, Gold Plate

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

Chrome "Top Hat" Toothpick Holder / Shot Glass Chase Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool chrome "top hat" toothpick Holder / shot glass by Chase Co., circa 1940s. The piece is in good condition and measures 2.625"D x 2"H. It is marked "Chase" with company log...
Category

20th Century American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Chrome

New Modern Serving Tray in Marble Creator Matteo Cibic, stock
Located in Milan, IT
Serving tray in black Marquinia, red Levanto and white Michelangelo marble. Size: 40 x 19 x 4 cm, 15.7 x 7.5 x 1.6 in, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Romeo, Homage Collection by...
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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