Modern Tableware
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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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.
1
750
130
14
to
116
552
193
894
488
779
894
654
559
426
413
274
161
70
50
38
32
32
32
14
12
8
4
2
130
764
3
19
63
1
1
2
3
4
17
22
10
382
247
199
156
116
631
444
145
80
78
79
54
52
50
45
Style: Modern
Preben Broste rare rosewood/ brass Nutcrackers , Modern , Denmark .
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful and rare Preben Broste nutcrackers in hard wood and brass hardware .
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Modern Tableware
Materials
Rosewood
Silver Travertine Cylinder Bowl
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
This substantial silver travertine bowl is beautifully handcrafted from a single piece of genuine travertine and honed for a silky mat finish. Expertly crafted and finished by hand, ...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Tableware
Materials
Travertine
Turquerie Ottoman View Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Stunning ottoman view tray in a Turquerie style
serving and decorative tray.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Wood
Travertine Cake Stand
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Put your delectable desserts on a pedestal with this gorgeous travertine cake stand from Kiwano. Hand crafted by Turkish artisans, this stylish d...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Tableware
Materials
Travertine
Fin Trivet from Souda, Black, in Stock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Made using a manufacturing process utilized for railways, medical devices, and electronics, the Fin Trivets bring an Industrial touch to your tabletop....
Category
2010s Chinese Modern Tableware
Materials
Aluminum, Metal
Bubble Salt and Pepper Shaker Set in Blown Glass by Gordon Guillaumier
Located in Milan, IT
Bubble, designed by Gordon Guillaumier, is a salt and pepper Shaker set made in transparent blown glass. In the same family there is the oil and vinegar dispenser...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Blown Glass
New Modern Centrepiece in Black Antique 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 Tableware
Materials
Marble
Cactus Leaf Handpainted Iron Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Handpainted iron tray
Agave design
perfect as a serving tray or as an amazing vide poche.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Iron
Ornamental by Lameice Dreamlike Wine Glass
Located in Jerusalem, IL
This piece is designed by Lameice Abu Aker a Palestinian designer based in Jerusalem.
Mouth-blown, lampworked, and shaped, in Jaba' a small village in the Palestinian Territories. p...
Category
2010s Palestinian Modern Tableware
Materials
Blown Glass
New Modern Tray in Black Marquina Marble, Creator Colominas Stock
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 finishin...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Marble
Coasters Set of 4 Cocktail Green Quartzite Marble Handmade Italy Collectible
Located in Ancona, Marche
Set of 4 coasters in Green Quartzite.
Thanks to their shape and size they can be used as exclusive presentation plates for finger food.
Dimensions: D ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Quartz
21st Century Karim Rashid Handmade Crystal Transparent Glasses
Located in Brembate di Sopra (BG), IT
21st century Karim Rashid diamond handmade crystal transparent glasses.
The diamond crystal glasses collection exudes sophistication and style. The crystalline and multifaceted surf...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Crystal
21st Century Karim Rashid Fila Glasses Murano Glass Various Colors
Located in Brembate di Sopra (BG), IT
IMPORTANT: ONCE THE ORDER IS CONFIRMED, PLEASE CONTACT MESSAGE CENTER
TO CONFIRM THE COLORS REQUIRED.
21st century Karim Rashid FILA glasses Murano glass various colors.
Inspired...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Murano Glass
The Wallis Flatware, by Vicente Wolf
By Vicente Wolf
Located in New York, NY
From renowned interior designer Vicente Wolf, the Wallis flatware set combines high quality, modern simplicity and timeless elegance into a unique set of flatware. Made from high-gra...
Category
Early 2000s Korean Modern Tableware
Materials
Stainless Steel
Fin Trivets from Souda, Gold, in Stock
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Made using a manufacturing process utilized for railways, medical devices, and electronics, the Fin Trivets bring an Industrial touch to your tabletop....
Category
2010s Chinese Modern Tableware
Materials
Aluminum, Metal
Tulip Glass Decanter by Aldo Cibic
By Aldo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Decanter made in blown in a mold glass. The Tulip collection is a glassware family by Aldo Cibic, who designed these pieces walking the line between classical and Postmodern design. ...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Glass
Ghidini 1961 Omini Salt and Pepper Shakers in Polished Brass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This playful brass condiment salt and pepper are decorated with tiny animate men on each.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Brass
Persian Flowers Porcelain Tray Made in Italy
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
The magical world of Persia is inspiring several collection of ours from plates to trays
This tray is a unique piece created by taking inspiration from Persian flower rugs...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Porcelain
Handblown Glass Sunrise Sunset Cup 4
By Fort Makers
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Surrealist-inspired sunrise sunset cups are hand blown in a kaleidoscope of ombre colors and adorned with contrasting orb handles to evoke a looking glass, a glimpse into a miniature...
Category
2010s American Modern Tableware
Materials
Blown Glass
Hand Dyed Linen Table Runner, Jade Green & Indigo Blue
By ROUSSEAU
Located in New York, NY
Jade green linen table runner dyed with indigo in Pleat pattern. Hand-dyed and sewn in New York City. Runner measures approximately 18 x 72 inches. Each linen runner is hand dyed and...
Category
2010s American Modern Tableware
Materials
Linen
Modernist Polished Pewter and Amber Glass Owl Salt and Pepper Shakers
Located in New York, NY
These distinct and playful Modernist Polished Pewter and Amber Glass Owl Salt and Pepper Shakers originate from the United States during the latter half of the 20th Century. Formed i...
Category
20th Century American Modern Tableware
Materials
Pewter
Contemporary Brass Modern Mosaic Tray by Jonathan Amar Studio
Located in Paris, FR
A contemporary handcrafted tray composed of a handmade mosaic Moroccan zellige surface, a walnut frame and polished elegant brass handles.
Designed by Jonathan Amar at his atelier in...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Modern Tableware
Materials
Brass
Handcrafted Flower Artglass Tray by JAS
Located in Paris, FR
A contemporary handcrafted tray composed of a handmade Portuguese artglass surface in the shape of flowers, a walnut frame and polished elegant brass handles.
Designed by Jonathan Am...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Modern Tableware
Materials
Brass
New Modern Centrepiece in Green Guatemala Marble Creator Ivan Colominas STOCK
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 Tableware
Materials
Marble
Handcrafted Multicolor Brass Artglass Tray by JAS
Located in Paris, FR
A contemporary handcrafted tray composed of a handmade Portuguese artglass surface, a walnut frame and polished elegant brass handles.
Designed by Jonathan Amar at his atelier in Ra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Modern Tableware
Materials
Brass
Modernist Crumb Brush Laurids Lonborg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Whimsical modern design.
Mixed woods.
Great for dusting those little crumbs and hairs around the home, office or car....
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Tableware
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 Tableware
Materials
Brass
Pair of Japanese Bamboo Pattern 950 Sterling Silver Reticulated Napkin Rings
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of Bamboo napkin rings.
In 950 sterling silver.
Likely produced in post-war Japan.
With an openwork pattern of bamboo stalks and leaves around the circumference.
Mar...
Category
20th Century Japanese Modern Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
Lava Tray by Slow Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Lava Tray by Slow Design
Unique Piece.
Dimensions: D 1 x W 26 x H 34 cm.
Materials: Glass and pigments.
Our mirrors are handmade one by one. This means that each mirror and tray is...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Glass
Customizable Forged Culinary Damask Steel Knife by Costantini Design, Damascus
Located in New York, NY
Customizable forged culinary Damascus Steel Knife from Costantini Design.
This handmade knife is available as shown or with a San Mai blade, and the ha...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Tableware
Materials
Steel
Ornamental by Lameice Abu Aker Mouth-Blown Pastel Pitcher "Eye Candy"
Located in Jerusalem, IL
This piece is designed by Lameice Abu Aker a Palestinian designer based in Jerusalem.
Mouth-blown, lampworked, and shaped, in Jaba' a small village in the Palestinian Territories. pr...
Category
2010s Modern Tableware
Materials
Glass
Leather Trinket Tray - Small Square Object Holder - Handmade - Color: Savannah
Located in Curitiba, Parana
OBJECT HOLDER
The Trinket Tray/Object Holder Line can be used as organizers for everyday objects or as your imagination suggests.
Made of genuine leather, the Italian border finish...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Tableware
Materials
Leather
Leather Trinket Tray - Small Square Object Holder - Handmade - Color: Vanilla
Located in Curitiba, Parana
OBJECT HOLDER
The Trinket Tray/Object Holder Line can be used as organizers for everyday objects or as your imagination suggests.
Made of genuine leather, the Italian border finish...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Tableware
Materials
Leather
Leather Trinket Tray - Medium Square Object Holder - Handmade - Color: Caramel
Located in Curitiba, Parana
OBJECT HOLDER
The Trinket Tray/Object Holder Line can be used as organizers for everyday objects or as your imagination suggests.
Made of genuine leather, the Italian border finish...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Tableware
Materials
Leather
Leather Trinket Tray - Medium Square Object Holder - Handmade - Color: Marine
Located in Curitiba, Parana
OBJECT HOLDER
The Trinket Tray/Object Holder Line can be used as organizers for everyday objects or as your imagination suggests.
Made of genuine leather, the Italian border finish...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Tableware
Materials
Leather
Travertine Cylinder Bowl
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
This substantial silver travertine bowl is beautifully handcrafted from a single piece of genuine travertine and honed for a silky mat finish. Expertly crafted and finished by hand, ...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Tableware
Materials
Travertine
Handblown Glass Sunrise Sunset Cup 10
By Fort Makers
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Surrealist-inspired sunrise sunset cups are hand blown in a kaleidoscope of ombre colors and adorned with contrasting orb handles to evoke a looking glass, a glimpse into a miniature...
Category
2010s American Modern Tableware
Materials
Blown Glass
Set of five cookware by Giò Ponti for ArtKrupp Berndorf and Sambonet
Located in Lugo, IT
Five pots, two of production Art Krupp Berndorf 29,5 cm 21 cm 6 cm 140 cl
Three Sambonet production, the largest 31.5 cm 24.5 cm 11 50 series.
Designed by Gio Ponti
Good Condition...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Modern Tableware
Materials
Alpaca
Contemporary Silver Plated Teapot Stone Handles Handcrafted Italy Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Part of the duality objects collection, OHO, is a harmonious blend of contemporary design's expressive freedom and the profound expertise of silverware workshops. This piece serves a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Silver Plate, Brass
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 Tableware
Materials
Gold Plate, Brass
Contemporary Gold Plated Tea Cup Onyx Stone Handle in Italy by Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Elevate your daily tea or coffee ritual with our exquisite Onix cup. The plated brass cup is handcrafted in Italy using sheet turning techniques. The handle, adorned with a Onix ston...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Metal, Gold Plate
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 Tableware
Materials
Brass, Silver Plate
Freezable swizzle stick
Located in Jerusalem, IL
Behold the enchanting alchemy of craftsmanship in our mouth-blown swizzle sticks, a fusion of elegance and functionality. Designed to gracefully stir and cool beverages without alter...
Category
2010s Palestinian Modern Tableware
Materials
Blown Glass
Red Zebra Handpainted Iron Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Handpainted red Zebra 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 Tableware
Materials
Iron
Transgrid wood tray - Set (Imbuia - 3 pieces)
Located in São Paulo, BR
The name TRANSGRID is the union of the words TRANSFORMATION and GRID. This junction created a third word representing the transgression of the orthogonal, regular and Cartesian geome...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Tableware
Materials
Wood
Zebra Handpainted Iron Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Handpainted Zebra 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 Tableware
Materials
Iron
Hand Dyed Linen Napkins, Jade Green & Indigo Blue, Set of Four
By ROUSSEAU
Located in New York, NY
Jade green linen napkins, set of four, dyed with indigo in Pleat pattern. Hand-dyed and sewn in New York City. Napkins measure approximately 18 x 18 inches. Each linen napkin is hand...
Category
2010s American Modern Tableware
Materials
Linen
Silver Travertine Cylinder Bowl with Lid
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Stunning, aesthetic, timeless are words that can be used to describe this elegant and modern travertine bowl from Kiwano. Expertly crafted and finished by hand, our travertine vases ...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Tableware
Materials
Travertine
Travertine Cylinder Bowl with Lid
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Stunning, aesthetic, timeless are words that can be used to describe this elegant and modern travertine bowl from Kiwano. Expertly crafted and finished by hand, our travertine vases ...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Tableware
Materials
Travertine
Giraffe Handpainted Iron Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Handpainted Giraffe 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 Tableware
Materials
Iron
Silver Travertine Cake Stand
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Put your delectable desserts on a pedestal with this gorgeous travertine cake stand from Kiwano. Hand crafted by Turkish artisans, this stylish d...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Tableware
Materials
Travertine
Printed Suzani Cotton Tablecloth
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
An amazing printed cotton ikat tablecloth in black and white.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Cotton
Twelve-person modernist dinner cutlery set in brass.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A twelve-person modernist dinner cutlery set in brass.
Comprising twelve dinner knives and twelve dinner forks.
Swedish design.
Late 20th century.
Marked.
In excellent condition.
Kni...
Category
Late 20th Century Swedish Modern Tableware
Materials
Brass
Four-person modernist dinner cutlery set in brass. Late 20th C.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A four-person modernist dinner cutlery set in brass.
Comprising four dinner knives and four dinner forks.
Swedish design.
Late 20th century.
Marked.
In excellent condition.
Knife: L ...
Category
Late 20th Century Swedish Modern Tableware
Materials
Brass
A six-person modernist dinner cutlery set in brass.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A six-person modernist dinner cutlery set in brass.
Comprising six dinner knives and six dinner forks.
Swedish design.
Late 20th century.
Marked.
In excellent condition.
Knife: L 22....
Category
Late 20th Century Swedish Modern Tableware
Materials
Brass
Hand-Wrought Sterling Silver Mushroom Salt & Pepper Shaker Signed by Buccellati
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
This elegant modernist salt shaker and pepper shaker were handcrafted and signed by Buccellati in Italy. The set features a cluster of three trumpet mushroom. The larger one represen...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Tableware
Materials
Sterling Silver
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 Tableware
Materials
Iron
Hand cut Crystal Saltshaker set Ambrosià (2-piece set: clear & amber)
Located in Glendale, CA
Ambrosià Crystal Salt & Pepper Shakers are exquisite tableware items designed to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any dining experience. Crafted from high-quality gray crystal, these shakers are delicately shaped and designed with intricate patterns that catch the light beautifully. These functional salt and pepper shakers serve as stunning decorative elements and are perfect for special occasions, formal dinners, or as statement pieces for a stylish home. Each crystal Salt and Pepper Shaker...
Category
2010s Modern Tableware
Materials
Crystal
Modern tableware for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern tableware 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 tableware 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, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern tableware made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original tableware, popular names associated with this style include André Fu, Kartell, Patricia Urquiola, and Coralla Maiuri. 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 tableware differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $15 and tops out at $69,597 while the average work can sell for $308.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Mid Century Modern Cutlery Set
Silver Cutlery Sets Of 8
Dinner Service Cutlery
Vintage Fish Knife And Fork Set
Silverware Chest
Plated Silverware Sets
Canteen Of Cutlery
Hermes Boxes Glass
Knife Display
Canteen Silver Cutlery
Vintage 3 Piece Carving Set
Modern Table Spoon
Antique Pierced Spoon
Luncheon Plates Vintage
Silver Canteen Cutlery
Hermes Glass Box
Retro Flatware Box
Silver Salt Bowl