Square Tray by Piero Fornasetti Milano Gun Pattern Metal w. Silkscreen Print
About the Item
- Creator:Piero Fornasetti (Designer),Fornasetti (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 0.83 in (2.1 cm)Width: 13.12 in (33.3 cm)Depth: 13.12 in (33.3 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Bad Säckingen, DE
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7989237162132
Piero Fornasetti
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
The Italian artist, illustrator and furniture maker Piero Fornasetti was one of the wittiest and most imaginative design 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 the 19th-century opera singer Lina 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 desks to dinner plates, lamps and umbrella stands. His work is archly clever, often surreal 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 his 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 Fornasetti’s collaborator and patron. Beginning in the early 1950s, they created a striking a 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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Bad Säckingen, Germany
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 30 days of delivery.
- Piero Fornasetti Milano Porcelain Jewelry Pin Dish Vide Poche Gold PatternBy Piero Fornasetti, FornasettiLocated in Bad Säckingen, DEA vintage small dish by Piero Fornasetti decorated with a gilt rhombus pattern. Piero Fornasetti (1913-1988) was a versatile and innovative Italian artist and designer. He is best k...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
MaterialsCeramic, Porcelain
- Fornasetti Milano Set of 4 Porcelain Plates Archimboldesca Series Vegetable HeadBy Fornasetti, Piero FornasettiLocated in Bad Säckingen, DEA vintage set of four plates by Piero Fornasetti from the "Arcimboldesca" series is a remarkable and artistic collection that embodies the whimsical and imaginative design sensibilit...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Porcelain
MaterialsCeramic, Porcelain
- Large Art Deco Cabaret Bar Snack Tray by Quist Silverplate & Cut Crystal LinersBy F.W. QuistLocated in Bad Säckingen, DEThis stunning Art Deco snack tray is a beautiful addition to any cocktail party. The tray is made of silverplated brass and carries seven original cut crystal bowls. The set is in ve...Category
Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Barware
MaterialsSilver Plate, Brass
- Antique WMF Art Nouveau Empire Pattern Cookie Jar Barrel or Ice Cube BucketBy WMF Württembergische MetallwarenfabrikLocated in Bad Säckingen, DEAntique Art Nouveau Empire pattern biscuit barrel by WMF. High quality crafted from silverplated brass with a cut glass liner this piece can also perfectly be used as a ice cube to...Category
Antique Early 1900s German Empire Barware
MaterialsSilver Plate
- Art Deco Cocktail Martini Shaker Silverplate by OKELocated in Bad Säckingen, DEVintage cocktail shaker with a completely handhammered surface, crafted from silverplated brass by unknown manufacturer OKE The shape features clean lines, a curvaceous body, and a ...Category
Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Barware
MaterialsSilver Plate
- Art Deco Cocktail Martini Shaker Silverplate by BoulengerBy Charles BoulengerLocated in Bad Säckingen, DEThis vintage cocktail shaker is a pure and elegant designed piece, crafted from silverplated brass by the well-known French manufacturer Charles Boulenger. The shape features clean ...Category
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Barware
MaterialsSilver Plate
- Piero Fornasetti Beautiful Pistol & Gun Serving Bar Tray, 1960sBy FornasettiLocated in Vienna, ATOne beautiful and decorative square serving tray, made of metal, with a nice pistols and guns pattern. From the 1960s, unmarked, in the manner of Studio Piero Fornasetti, Italy. In v...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces
MaterialsMetal
- Piero Fornasetti Attributed Pistol Barware Metal Serving Tray, 1960sBy Piero FornasettiLocated in North Hollywood, CAVintage Pistol And Gun Tray Attributed to Piero Fornasetti, 1960s. This is a great studio Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti style Pistol Barware Metal Serving Tray. Very decorative Piero Fornasetti's Iconic square enameled metal tray featuring antique pistols, guns, and gunpowder pouches illustrations. The underside has a printed wood effect. Vintage Italian Piero Fornasetti Pistol...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware
MaterialsMetal
- Piero Fornasetti Tray with Still Life, Natura Morta Pattern, Early, 1950sBy Piero FornasettiLocated in Downingtown, PAThis is how you serve your guests in style! A Piero Fornasetti tray with still life, Natura Morta pattern, Mid- 1950s. This is a wonderful early 1950s oval red tray...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware
MaterialsMetal, Aluminum
- 1950s Bucciarelli Milano Italy Drink Coasters 11 Set Piero FornasettiBy Piero FornasettiLocated in Las Vegas, NVSet of 11 Bucciarelli Milano porcelain drink coasters. Attributed to Piero Fornasetti with rare intricate black floral design trimmed in gold. In...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware
MaterialsPorcelain
- Soli E Lune Sun and Moon Pattern Ceramic Coasters by Piero FornasettiBy Piero FornasettiLocated in Downingtown, PAPiero Fornasetti Ceramic Coasters, "Soli e Lune" Pattern 1970s-80s This set of eight ceramic coasters features the "Soli e Lune" (Suns and Moons) pattern by the renowned Italian d...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware
MaterialsCeramic
- Piero Fornasetti Ceramic Set of Neo-classical Gold Coasters, Mitologia PatternBy Piero FornasettiLocated in Downingtown, PAPiero Fornasetti Ceramic Set of Neo-classical Gold Coasters, Mitologia Pattern, Mythology Pattern, Original Faux Bois Box, 1950s Dimensions: 4 1/8 inches diameter x 1/2 inch high T...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware
MaterialsCeramic