The Italian artist and designer Piero Fornasetti was one of the wittiest and most imaginative 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 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.
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 Fornasetti's 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 the artist's collaborator and patron. Beginning in the early 1950s, they created a striking 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.
Find vintage Piero Fornasetti dinner plates, chairs, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Piero Fornasetti Set of Coasters of Opera Characters-Melodrama!
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
"Operatic Gold": Boxed Set of 8 Piero Fornasetti "Melodramma" Coasters, 1960s A spectacular complete set of eight Piero Fornasetti ceramic coasters from the "Melodramma" (Melodrama)...
Ceramic
FORNASETTI Puffer Fish Oval Metal Tray
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian oval enameled metal tray depicting orange puffer fish / made in Milan Italy in the 1950s Original Fornasetti label on the base Measures: width 20.5 inches, depth 13.5...
Metal
Piero Fornasetti "Melodramma" Ceramic Coasters: A Series of Dramatic Opera Chara
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Operatic Gold: Set of 8 Piero Fornasetti "Melodramma" Coasters, 1960s A spectacular complete set of eight Piero Fornasetti ceramic coasters from the "Melodramma" (Melodrama) series,...
Ceramic
Piero Fornasetti Ceramic Coasters, Musicalia Pattern, Set of Six
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Golden Harmony: Fornasetti's 'Musicalia' Gilded Ceramic Coasters 1960s This elegant and highly desirable set of six ceramic coasters was designed by the celebrated Italian artist Pi...
Ceramic
Piero Fornasetti Ice Bucket and Cover, ‘Monete’ Pattern, 1955-65
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti (Italian, 1913–1988) Ice Bucket and Cover, ‘Monete’ Pattern 1950s-60s A cylindrical ice bucket and close-fitting cover in lithographically printed and lacquered met...
Metal
MCM Ceramic Coasters by Fornasetti in the "Mitologia" (Myth) Pattern in 22k Gold
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Nantucket, MA
Vintage ceramic coasters by Fornasetti made exclusively for Bonwitt Teller stores. Decorated with gold in white ceramic in the "Mitologia" (Myth) pattern, each depicts a different scene from classical...
Ceramic
Fornasetti Jewelry Dish or Tray
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in New York, NY
An Italian porcelain tray or dish with Greco-Roman design by designer by Piero Fornasetti, circa mid-20th century, 1960s, Italy. Use on a desk/vanity or on a cocktail table. etc. Tra...
Porcelain
Vintage Piero Fornasetti Tall Ship Ceramic Coasters with Box, Velieri Pattern
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Voyage in Miniature: Vintage Piero Fornasetti Tall Ship Coasters for Bonwit Teller Italian, Circa 1950–1960 Embark on a captivating voyage with this complete set of eight vintage Pi...
Ceramic
Piero Fornasetti Ceramic Set Neo-Classical Mythological Gold Coasters Mitologia
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Mythic Opulence: Piero Fornasetti's Gilded "Mitologia" Coasters for Bonwit Teller Presenting a complete and exceptionally preserved set of eight ceramic coasters by Piero Fornasetti...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Whimsy: Piero Fornasetti Ceramic Appetizer Bowls
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Mid-Century Whimsy: Piero Fornasetti Ceramic Appetizer Bowls Circa 1960 This charming set of six ceramic snack or appetizer bowls perfectly encapsulates the graphic wit and style of...
Ceramic
Vintage PIero Fornasetti Chariot Coasters, Porcelain &Gold Set of 8 Barware 60's
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in North Miami, FL
These vintage hallmarked Piero Fornasetti coasters are porcelain with gold. They are of the Roman Chariot design. Marked Fornasetti MIlano Made In Ita...
Gold
Piero Fornasetti Oval Tray, Natura Morta Pattern, Red Design, 1950s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti: Oval Tray with Still Life, 'Natura Morta' Pattern, Early 1950s This wonderful oval tray from the early 1950s is a captivating example of Piero Fornasetti's genius ...
Metal, Aluminum
FORNASETTI Watermelon Oval Metal Tray
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian oval metal tray depicting watermelon on orange surface / made in Milan Italy in the 1950s Original Fornasetti label on the base Measures: width 18 inches, depth 13.5 ...
Metal
Piero Fornasetti Complete Set of Six Appetizer Bowls with Anthemion Decoration
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Golden Hour Grooves:Golden Hour Grooves: Fornasetti's Anthemion Ceramic Appetizer Bowls Own a piece of mid-century Italian elegance with this rare and complete set of six ceramic ap...
Ceramic
Piero Fornasetti Gilded Porcelain Appetizer Bowls Barware Set Of 6, 1960's
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in North Miami, FL
These fabulous small Mid-Century Modern Piero Fornasetti vintage appetizer small serving bowls are porcelain with gilded gold edges, bottom and ins...
Gold
Vintage Piero Fornasetti Cammei Ice Bucket, Italy ca. 1950s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Geneva, CH
Brass and iron painted in grey with Cammei pattern vintage ice bucket designed by Piero Fornasetti in Italy ca. 1950s. Very good condition. D 23 x H 27 cm No scratches on the pattern...
Brass, Steel
MCM Boxed set of 8 Fornasetti Vini E Liquori Ceramic Coasters for Rosenfeld
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Nantucket, MA
Set of eight white ceramic coasters in the Vini E Liquori pattern by Fornasetti for Rosenfeld Importers. Each decorated in black and gold on white ceramic. Each coaster is decorated ...
Ceramic
Eight Vintage Fornasetti Ceramic Coasters in the "Vini E Liquori" Pattern
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Nantucket, MA
Eight drinks coasters designed by Piero Fornasetti in the 'Vini E Liquori' pattern, each depicting a different liquor bottle label in 22 karat gold.
Ceramic
Set of Eight Vintage Gilded Roman Chariot Coasters by Piero Fornasetti with Box
By Saks Fifth Avenue, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Complete set of eight Roman Chariot motif coasters with original box by Piero Fornasetti for Fornasetti Milano made exclusively for Saks Fifth Avenue (ca. 1960s, Italy). Lithographic...
Gold Leaf
Complete Set of Ceramic "Stuzzichini" Barware Appetizer Bowls
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti (Italian, 1913-1988) Complete Set of Six Ceramic "Stuzzichini" Barware Appetizer Bowls Circa 1960s Glazed ceramic with transfer-printed decoration and gilt detail...
Ceramic, Pottery
Mid-century Modern Piero Fornasetti "Il Quadrante" Ceramic Beer Stein
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti (1913-1988) "Il Quadrante" Ceramic Beer Stein Circa 1960s A superb and rare example of Piero Fornasetti's whimsical yet sophisticated design, this ceramic beer stei...
Ceramic
$258Sale Price|25% Off
Piero Fornasetti Porcelain Coaster Reclining "Adam” 7 of 8, 1965, Mid-century
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Plate number 7 from the quite rare and sought after of Fornasetti 1960’s design series, Adamo & Eva (1965). Compared to his much more severe standing “Adam" of a decade earlier, this...
Porcelain
Piero Fornasetti Neo-classical Ceramic Coaster Set of Eight with Roman Chariots
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chariots of Gold: Piero Fornasetti's Neo-Classical Coaster Set for Saks Fifth Avenue Capture the glory of ancient Rome infused with mid-century Italian luxury with this striking co...
Ceramic
Set of 8 Vintage Piero Fornasetti Porcelain Coasters Il Mondo Alla Rovescia
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in North Miami, FL
These theatrical vintage Piero Fornasetti complete set of 8 hand painted very colorful porcelain coasters and or small plates are Mid-Century Modern. They are for an opera and in translation of English for the opera mean Topsy Turvy. Great barware. These are not common. They come in their original round gold box...
Porcelain, Paint
Piero Fornasetti, Sole vide poche, Compagnia del Tabacco Italy 1980s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Firenze, IT
Sole vide poche designed by Piero Fornasetti Compagnia del Tabacco under license Fornasetti, Italy 1980s Pressed methacrylate H 1.7 cm - 31 x 31 cm Conditions: excellent consiste...
Plastic
Travertine Oval Tray
By Kiwano Concept
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Elevate your space with the timeless elegance of the Travertine Oval Tray. Crafted from exquisite travertine adorned with natural pits, this versatile tray adds a touch of sophistica...
Travertine
SALTA Round Coaster, Alpaca Silver & Black Onyx Natural Stone
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Salta province is called the beautiful, and this adjective introduces us to its profound beauty. Its fertile valleys, windy desert, colorful mountains and blue sky are the images tha...
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Piero Fornasetti, Oranges Tray, Atelier Fornasetti, ca. 1955
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Firenze, IT
Rare oranges aluminum Tray Prod. Fornasetti, Milan, Italy, ca. 1955 Serigraphed metal. Label not present H 4.5 cm x 39 x 51 cm Bibliography: Mariuccia Casadio, Barnaba Fornasett...
Metal
Fornasetti Jewelry Dish or Tray
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in New York, NY
An Italian porcelain tray or dish with Greco-Roman design by designer by Piero Fornasetti, circa mid-20th century, 1960s, Italy. Use on a desk/vanity or on a cocktail table. etc. Tra...
Porcelain
$2,700 / set
H 2 in Dm 3 in
Piero Fornasetti Gilded Porcelain Appetizer Bowls Barware Set Of 6, 1960's
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in North Miami, FL
These fabulous small Mid-Century Modern Piero Fornasetti vintage appetizer small serving bowls are porcelain with gilded gold edges, bottom and ins...
Gold
MCM Boxed set of 8 Fornasetti Vini E Liquori Ceramic Coasters for Rosenfeld
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Nantucket, MA
Set of eight white ceramic coasters in the Vini E Liquori pattern by Fornasetti for Rosenfeld Importers. Each decorated in black and gold on white ceramic. Each coaster is decorated ...
Ceramic
Salta Round Coaster, Alpaca Silver & Black Onyx Natural Stone
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Salta province is called the beautiful, and this adjective introduces us to its profound beauty. Its fertile valleys, windy desert, colorful mountains and blue sky are the images that led us to design our largest collection. It has pure and contemporary lines, a classic vision but with modern design. The chosen materials are alpaca and onyx...
Stone, Onyx, Metal
$395 / set
H 0.4 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in
SALTA Square Coaster, Alpaca Silver & Black Natural Onyx Stone
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Salta province is called the beautiful, and this adjective introduces us to its profound beauty. Its fertile valleys, windy desert, colorful mountains and blue sky are the images tha...
Stone, Onyx, Metal
$790 / set
H 0.4 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in
Salta Square Coaster, Alpaca Silver & Green Natural Onyx Stone
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Salta province is called the beautiful, and this adjective introduces us to its profound beauty. Its fertile valleys, windy desert, colorful mountains and blue sky are the images tha...
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Fornasetti Metal Tray
Located in Dallas, TX
Metal serving tray by Fornasetti.
$395 / set
H 0.4 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in
Salta Square Coaster, Alpaca Silver & Cream Natural Onyx Stone
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Salta province is called the beautiful, and this adjective introduces us to its profound beauty. Its fertile valleys, windy desert, colorful mountains and blue sky are the images tha...
Stone, Onyx, Metal
$895
H 0.25 in W 4 in D 4 in
Vintage PIero Fornasetti Chariot Coasters, Porcelain &Gold Set of 8 Barware 60's
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in North Miami, FL
These vintage hallmarked Piero Fornasetti coasters are porcelain with gold. They are of the Roman Chariot design. Marked Fornasetti MIlano Made In Ita...
Gold
Complete set of Vintage Piero Fornasetti Love Coasters in Original Box
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a very nice set of vintage LOVE coasters by the great Piero Fornasetti. There are eight coasters, each with a different phrase on the subject of love. The coasters are in v...
Ceramic
Set of 8 Vintage Piero Fornasetti Soli E Lune Porcelain Coasters Original Box
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in San Diego, CA
Fanstastic early set of eight Piero Fornasetti "Soli E Lune" moon and sunface porcelain drink coasters in original box. Made in Italy.
Porcelain
Piero Fornasetti Soli e Lune (Suns and Moons) Coaster Set
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti (Italian, 1913-1988) Soli e Lune (Suns and Moons) Coaster Set Circa 1955-60 Transfer-printed and glazed ceramic 4 inches (diameter) x 1/4 inches (height), each Mila...
Ceramic
A Toast to Wit: Fornasetti's Ceramic "Cocktail" Coasters, A Complete Set
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
A Toast to Wit: Fornasetti's Cocktail Coasters, 1950s-60s. This complete set of eight large coasters is a quintessential example of Piero Fornasetti's genius for elevating the every...
Ceramic, Pottery
Set of 10 Gilt Piero Fornasetti "Love" Coasters with Original Box
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Stockholm, SE
The coasters feature a central white heart set against a gold background. Inside each heart is a unique saying about love, framed by a distinct heart-shaped border. The set includes ...
Porcelain
Piero Fornasetti Ceramic "Love" Coasters, a Complete Set of Eight with Box
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti Ceramic Coasters with Hearts and Sayings about Love, With Original Red Box, 1950s-early 60s. Each of the eight coasters has a central white heart on a gold ground. ...
Ceramic
Sold
H 0.75 in Dm 4.13 in
Piero Fornasetti Complete Set of Eight Ceramic Coasters, “The topsy-turvy world”
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti Complete Set of Eight Ceramic Coasters, Il Mondo Alla Rovecia Pattern, (“The topsy-turvy world”), After opera by Antonio Salieri, 1950-60s The set of whimsical pott...
Ceramic, Pottery
Piero Fornasetti Ceramic Palloni Pattern Hot Air Balloon- A Complete Set
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti Ceramic Palloni, Hot Air Balloon. Palloni Pattern, Complete Set of Coasters, 1955-60 The Piero Fornasetti ceramic coasters are a complete set of eight. They each d...
Ceramic, Pottery
Piero Fornasetti Set of Six Ceramic Coasters with Cocktail Recipes
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti Set of Six Ceramic Coasters with Different Cocktail Recipes, Pattern called Cocktail, 1960. The set of six ceramic coasters was designed by Piero Fornasetti around ...
Ceramic, Pottery
Piero Fornasetti Surreal Sun-Motif Ceramic Complete Set of Coasters
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti Surreal Sun-Motif Ceramic Complete Set of Coasters, "12 Mesi, 12 Soli" design, 1960s The six large ceramic coasters are from the "12 Mesi, 12 Soli" design. These a...
Ceramic, Pottery
Sold
H 13 in W 13 in D 0.79 in
1960s Mid-Century Modern Metal Antique Fire Arms Square Tray by Piero Fornasetti
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This Fornasetti tray is a striking example of the brand’s signature artistic and surrealist aesthetic. The tray is made of metal with a enameled finish that provides a smooth surface, characteristic of Fornasetti’s craftsmanship. The tray features an intricate, black-and-white illustration of antique firearms...
Metal
FORNASETTI "Bastoni" Rectangular Lucite Tray
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian rectangular lucite tray featuring "Bastoni" walking canes, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Campagnia del Tabacco / made in Milan Italy in the 1990s Original Fornaset...
Lucite