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.
FORNASETTI Greek Key Round Mirror
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage original round wall mirror, featuring greek keys motif in a gold tone over a green and black granite like pattern / made in Milan Italy by Fornasetti, 1970s Original label un...
Wood, Mirror
Early Rare Piero Fornasetti 'Corona di fiori' Convex Optical Mirror, Italy 1950s
By Fornasetti, 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...
Mirror, Lacquer
FORNASETTI Gold Cammeo Round Mirror
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage original round wall mirror, featuring golden cammeos over a green marble effect background / made in Milan Italy by Fornasetti, 1970s Original label underside Measures: diame...
Mirror, Wood
$5,500
Fornasetti Cammei Mirror
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pier Fornasetti Cammei Mirror Lithographic Transfer-Print over Wood Original Optic Mirror inset Manufacturers label present A fine vintage example
Wood
$3,000Sale Price|36% Off
'Greca' Greek Key Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, Signed, circa 1970s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is the 'Greca' (Greek in Italian) mirror by Piero Fornasetti, signed on the back with the Fornasetti label, is a gorgeous collectors piece ideal f...
Mirror, Wood
$3,150Sale Price|34% Off
'Cammei Marbalia' Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, circa 1970s, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is the 'Cammei Marbalia' (Marbled Cameos in Italian) mirror by Piero Fornasetti, signed on the back with the Fornasetti label, is a gorgeous collectors piece ideal for the interior designer looking for the perfect unique splash of fun and intrigue. This mirror features gold Cameos over a white and black marble motif and has been completely restored, the frame has been re-lacquered with a protective French Polish clear coat. Some signs of age and patina still present under the lacquer which adds to the beauty of this simple yet beautiful piece. *Note, we have the matching umbrella stand, see our other listings or contact us for details. The 'Cammei' aka 'Cameo Motif' and 'Marbalia' aka 'Marbled Motif' is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe" and offered in Fornasetti's full range of designs including an umbrella bin...
Mirror, Wood
Bassett Mirror Company, Inc., Wall Mirror
By Bassett Furniture
Located in Medina, OH
Bassett Mirror Company, Inc., Wall Mirror. A functional and decorative statement mirror! Add timeless elegance to your space with this vintage Bassett Wall Mirror. Featuring a dis...
Mirror
1950s Italian Brass Wall Mirror
Located in London, London
This elegant 1950s Italian wall mirror is defined by its slender, organically contoured brass frame. The gently undulating outline softens the rectangular form, creating a subtle, sc...
Brass
Fornasetti Frame with Convex Mirror Farfalle Butterflies Color on White
By Fornasetti
Located in MILANO, IT
Like all Fornasetti accessories, the mirrors turn an everyday action into an aesthetic experience. Measures: Ø28 cm. This mirror frame is handcrafted using original artisan techni...
Glass, Wood
1950s Italian Brass Shield Mirror
Located in London, London
1950s brass shield shape mirror Italy 1950s This elegant mid-century Italian wall mirror features a sleek brass frame with gently curved edges, exemplifying the minimalist design o...
Brass
1950s Italian Brass Mirror
Located in London, London
Mirror Brass Italy 1950s
Brass
Spanish Rattan Bamboo Round Mirror, 1960s
By Paul Frankl
Located in Barcelona, ES
Stunning Mid-Century Modern round bamboo wall mirror with wrapped rattan detail on the top. This mirror has reminiscences of Paul Frankl designs. Two concentric circular bamboo frame...
Wicker, Mirror, Bamboo, Rattan
Italian early 1950s brass frame wall mirror with etching
By Gio Ponti
Located in London, GB
Unusual brass frame mirror with decorative etching in the mirror. Italy early 1950s (A8)
Brass
$1,412
H 2.37 in Dm 21.66 in
Round Mirror with Frame in Lacquered Wood and Fabric, Italy, 1970s Midcentury
Located in Roma, IT
Round mirror with frame in lacquered wood and fabric, Italy, 1970s.
Fabric, Mirror, Wood
1950s Italian Teardrop Shaped Bamboo Rattan Mirror, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Italian 1950s mirror with hand-woven rattan frame in elegant teardrop shape.
Rattan, Mirror
$1,937
H 1.97 in Dm 27.56 in
Midcentury Italian Round Mirror with Beveled Smoked Glass by Sena Cristal, 1970s
By Sena Cristal
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous round mirror with double bevelled frame in smoked glass produced by Sena Cristal in Italy in Italy in the 1970s. This fantastic space age mirror features a stunning frame w...
Chrome
$481 / item
H 0.24 in Dm 23.63 in
Orbis Rose Gold / Peach Tinted Round Contemporary Frameless Mirror, Medium
By Alguacil & Perkoff Ltd.
Located in London, London
Minimalist rose gold / peach tinted round frameless Orbis™ mirror with a floating effect. Quality design that ensures the mirror sits perfectly parallel to the wall. Designed and mad...
Mirror
$927
H 2.76 in Dm 24.02 in
French Riviera Mid-Century Round Mirror in Woven Rattan Wicker, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful mid-century organic round mirror completely made in hand-woven wicker. This delightful French Riviera style mirror was produced in Italy...
Wicker, Rattan, Mirror
Sold
H 15.75 in W 11.82 in D 1.19 in
Circular 'Faux Malachite' Optical Wall Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, italy, c.1955
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in London, GB
A rare faux malachite example of Piero Fornasetti's famous 'pocket-watch' optical wall mirror. This circular brass framed mirror has nine small convex mirrors, all set on a faux mala...
Brass
Sold
H 15.76 in W 11.81 in D 1 in
Piero Fornasetti Face Mirror Viso Wall Mirror Brass, Italy, circa 1955
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Vienna, AT
Piero Fornasetti Face Mirror 'Viso' Wall Mirror Brass, Italy, circa 1955 Very rare, surrealistic face mirror 'Viso' by Piero Fornasetti, Italy, from t...
Brass
Red 'Butterflies'' Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is the 'Farfalle' (Butterflies in Italian) mirror by Piero Fornasetti, signed on the back with the Fornasetti label, is a gorgeous collectors piece ideal for the interior design...
Mirror, Wood
'Butterflies'' Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is the 'Farfalle' (Butterflies in Italian) mirror by Piero Fornasetti, signed on the back with the Fornasetti label, is a gorgeous collectors piece ideal for the interior design...
Mirror, Wood
Magic Mirror, Piero Fornasetti, 1970s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Magic Mirror, Piero Fornasetti, 1970s: Piero Fornasetti's Magic Mirror from the 1970s is a captivating testament to the whimsical and surreal elements inherent in his iconic designs....
Brass
Sold
H 15.75 in W 11.82 in D 1.19 in
Round brass mirror designed by Piero Fornasetti for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1980s
By Svenskt Tenn, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Stockholm, SE
Round mirror designed by Piero Fornasetti for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1980s. Brass and mirrored glass.
Brass
Piero Fornasetti, wall mirror, wooden support covered with screen prints.
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Piero Fornasetti, wall mirror, wooden support covered with screen prints with neo-classical decoration of flowers and mythological scenes, circa 1960, Italy. Height 85 cm, width 64 c...
Wood
Piero Fornasetti Mirror Brass Glass Wood Velvet 1950 Italy
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
Piero Fornasetti mirror.
Brass
Piero Fornasetti Farfalle Mirror, 1950s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Miami, FL
A rare Farfalle oval mirror designed and manufactured by the Italian master of playful and surreal self-expression Piero Fornasetti in the 1950s. The midcentury modern vintage mirror...
Wood
'Cammei'' Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is the 'Cammei' (Cameos in Italian) mirror by Piero Fornasetti, signed on the back with the Fornasetti label, is a gorgeous collectors piece ideal for the interior designer looking for the perfect unique splash of fun and intrigue. This mirror features the Cameos over brown and black marble motif and has been completely restored, the frame has been re-lacquered with a French Polish. Some signs of age and patina still present under the lacquer which adds to the beauty of this simple yet beautiful piece. *Note, we have two available, priced individually. The 'Cammei' aka 'Cameo' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe" and offered in Fornasetti's full range of designs including an umbrella bin...
Mirror, Wood
'Butterflies'' Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is the 'Farfalle' (Butterflies in Italian) mirror by Piero Fornasetti, signed on the back with the Fornasetti label, is a gorgeous collectors piece ideal for the interior designer looking for the perfect unique splash of fun and intrigue. This mirror features the butterflies over white background motif and has been completely restored, the frame has been re-lacquered with a French Polish. Some signs of age and patina still present under the lacquer which adds to the beauty of this simple yet beautiful piece. The 'Farfalle' aka 'Butterflies' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe" and offered in Fornasetti's full range of designs including an umbrella bin...
Mirror, Wood
Piero Fornasetti Face Mirror Viso, Italy, circa 1960
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Vienna, AT
Very rare surrealistic face mirror 'Viso' by Piero Fornasetti, Italy, from the early 1960. Slightly smiling, charming original mirror by Piero Fornasetti ...
Brass