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 Plate Aries Zodiac Sign Porcelain 1966, Italy
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
Piero Fornasetti plate Aries zodiac sign porcelain 1966, Italy.
Porcelain
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
Vintage 1987 Happy Calendario Plate by Piero Fornasetti, Italy
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Happy 1987 - Calendario is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti i n 1987 from the Calendario series , the Happy New Year dishes series. Excellent con...
Porcelain
Vintage Fornasetti Panel by Piero Fornasetti, Italy, 1950s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Panel realized by Piero Fornasetti in 1950s. Screen print on wood. Brass frame. Covered with glass. Most probably a unique specimen, realized in 1950s for Sartoria Fanucchi...
Metal, Brass
Tray by Piero Fornasetti, 1955
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Berlin, DE
The tray designed by Piero Fornasetti is made of aluminum with an offset print with the motif of birds. Labeled with 'Fornasetti'.
Aluminum
Earth Signs, Set of 3 Plates from Zodiac Plate Series by P. Fornasetti, 1965
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Earth signs- Zodiac Plate Series is a set of elegant porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Perugia in 1965. Good conditions except for the plate depicting Taurus that ...
Porcelain
Set of Seven Plates 'Velieri' by Piero Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Set of seven plates "Velieri" is an original set of decorative objects realized by the Italian artist and designer Piero Fornasetti (Milan, 1909-1988) in the 1960s. Made by Fornaset...
Porcelain
Piero Fornasetti Plate Zodiac Sign Cancer Porcelain 1969, Italy
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
Piero Fornasetti plate zodiac sign Cancer porcelain 1969, Italy.
Porcelain
Set of Six 24kt Gold Plated Roman Themed Coasters Signed by Piero Fornasetti
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in New York, NY
This stunning set of six coasters were designed by the legendary Piero Fornasetti for Saks Fifth Avenue in Milan Italy circa 1960. They feature circular porcelain bodies with raised ...
Gold
1970s Set of Vintage Porcelain Plates, by Piero Fornasetti
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
1970s plate, Calendar series is a set of 9 silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti during the 1970s from the Calendario series, the Happy New Year dishes series. It includes all the years except 1977. Good conditions. Black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate...
Porcelain
Vintage Fornasetti Panel by Piero Fornasetti, Italy, 1950s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Panel realized by Piero Fornasetti in 1950s. Screen print on wood. Brass frame. Covered with glass. Most probably a unique specimen, realized in 1950s for Sartoria Fanucchi...
Metal, Brass
Grande Mortaio Bronzeo Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Grande Mortaio Bronzeo, for Martini & Rossi (Large Bronze Mortar - for Martini & Rossi) is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s...
Porcelain
Porron Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Porron is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s. Excellent conditions: as good as new. This is a b/w ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, representing the Spanish amphora called "porron", realized to drink wine gracefully. With a very detailed golden caption and title on the front of the plate. Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti logo: "Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Porcelain
Rare 1960s Fish Pesci Appetizer or Hors D'oeuvre Tray by Piero Fornasetti
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in London, London
Appetizer tray consisting of four ceramic dishes Gold metal tray Printed section of fish on each dish Fornasetti mark underneath Slightly fa...
Ceramic
Anfora Spagnuola Detta "Porron" by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Anfora Spagnuola Detta "Porron" is an elegant silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s . In excellent condition. Black and white c...
Porcelain
1950s Piero Fornasetti Italian Enameled Metal Tray with Seashell Decoration
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is an exceptional vintage enameled metal tray designed by Piero Fornasetti and produced in Milan, Italy during the 1950s. Beautifully executed in the designer's unmistakable sty...
Metal
1980s Plates, Set of 8 Vintage Plates by Piero Fornasetti, 1980s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
1980s Plate, Calendar series is a set of 8 silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti during the 1980s from the Calendario series, the Happy New Year dishes series. Good conditions. Black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate...
Porcelain
Set of Four Plates 'Velieri' by Piero Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Set of Four Plates "Velieri" is an original set of decorative objects realized by the Italian artist and designer Piero Fornasetti (Milan, 1909 - 19...
Porcelain
Six Dishes "Serie Spighe" 'Spikes Series' by Piero Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Six dishes "Spikes Series" is an original porcelain set realized by Piero Fornasetti (Milan, 1913-1988) in the 1960s. Original silk-screened porcelain. Marked on the base. ...
Porcelain
Set of Vintage Plates from the Series "Musical Instruments" by Piero Fornasetti
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Series of sx plates "Strumenti Musicali" (Musical Instruments), designed by Fornasetti in 1960s. Screen print on porcelain. Numbered from I to VI and market (Fornasetti Milano Made ...
Ceramic
Rhyton - for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Rhyton is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s .
Porcelain
Set of Two Plates "Grandi Maestri" by P. Fornasetti, 1967
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Set of two plates "Grandi Maestri" is an original decorative object realized by the Italian artist and designer Piero Fornasetti (Milan, 1909-1988) in 1967. Made by Fornasetti, Mi...
Porcelain
Il Primo Tino - for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Il Primo Tino - for Martini & Rossi is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s .
Porcelain
Skyphos - for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Skyphos is an elegant silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s .
Porcelain
Kantaros Apulia by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Kantaros Apulia is an elegant silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s . In excellent condition. Black and white ceramic Fornasett...
Porcelain
Skyphos Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Skyphos is an elegant silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s. In excellent conditions: as good as new. Black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, finely decorated with the representation of the greek model "Skyphos" vase. Golden explicative text and the title on the front. Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti logo: "Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and...
Porcelain
Kantaros Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Kantaros - for Martini & Rossi is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s. Excellent conditions: As good as new. Black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, finely decorated with the illustration of the Apulian "Kantharos" vase. Golden explicative text and the title on the front. Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti's logo. "Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Porcelain
Il Primo Tino Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Il Primo Tino, for Martini & Rossi is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s. Excellent conditions: as good as new. This is a black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, representing the first Martini, Sola & C.gnia Pessio's vat for the vermouth production, described with a golden caption and titled on the front. Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti logo: Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Porcelain
Alambicco - for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Alambicco per la distillazione dell'alcool is an elegant silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s .
Porcelain
Servizio per Porto - for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Servizio per Porto in Argento is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s .
Porcelain
Carro Vinario - for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Carro Vinario is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s .
Porcelain
Grande Torchio Vinario Latino - for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Grande Torchio Vinario Latino - for Martini&Rossi (Great Latin Wine Press - for Martini & Rossi ) is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Marti...
Porcelain
Oinochoe Plate - for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
This Oinochoe is an elegant silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini&Rossi in 1960s .
Porcelain
Trozzella - for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Trozzella Leccese - for Martini & Rossi is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s .
Porcelain
Grande Mortaio Bronzeo by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Grande Mortaio Bronzeo is an elegant silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s . In excellent condition. Black and white ceramic Fo...
Porcelain
Rhyton Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Rhyton is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s. Excellent conditions: as good as new. This is a black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, representing the oldest drinking vessel ever found, the Apulian rhyton. With a very detailed golden caption and title on the front of the plate. Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti logo: "Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Porcelain
Trozzella Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Trozzella Leccese - for Martini & Rossi is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s. Excellent conditions: as good as new. Black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, finely decorated with the illustration of the Apulian Leccese "Trozzella" vase, with the golden explicative text and the title on the front. Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti's logo. "Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Porcelain
Servizio Per Porto Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Servizio per Porto in Argento is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s. Original title: Servizio per Porto in Argento (Silver Set) In excellent conditions: as good as new. Black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, representing a silver set, held in the Pessione Museum, with a golden caption and the title on the front. Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti logo. "Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Porcelain
Carro Vinario Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Carro Vinario is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s. In excellent conditions: as good as new. Black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, representing wine-carriage, an ancient means of transportation, a real cart preserved in the Pessione Museum. With a golden caption and title on the front. Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti logo. "Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Porcelain
Alambicco Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Alambicco per la distillazione dell'alcool is an elegant silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s. Original title: Alambicco per la...
Porcelain
Oinochoe Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
This Oinochoe is an elegant silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s. In excellent conditions: as good as new. Black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, superbly decorated with the bacchante motive take from a Greek "Oinochoe" jar. Golden caption and the title on the front. Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti logo. "Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Porcelain