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.
1993 Fornasetti Portfolio 6 Surrealist Black/Gold Prints France
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Miami, FL
The complete portfolio from the series Sole e Lune containing 6 Fine Art Silkscreen by Piero Fornasetti published in France by Graphique de France in 1993. This portfolio was exclusively created for Pier One...
Paper
FORNASETTI Set of 2 "Città Di Carte" Panels
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare original vintage set of 2 "Città di Carta" screen print on wood panels, designed by Piero Fornasetti / made in Milan Italy by Fornasetti Original label on the back Each panel ha...
Wood
Piero Fornasetti Adamo Gold Ground Porcelain Plates, Complete Set of Twelve
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti Adamo Gold Ground Porcelain Plates, Complete Set of Twelve Designed 1954, this gold-ground edition circa 1970s This complete set of twelve Fornasetti porcelain plat...
Porcelain
Vintage Piero Fornasetti Special Commission Large Iznik Plaque, 1950s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Ottoman Illusion: Fornasetti's Istanbul Hilton Panel (1955) This monumental Piero Fornasetti colored panel is a rare piece of institutional history, created in 1955 as a special com...
Paper
"Vintage poster "Night over Jerusalem" by Piero Fornasetti
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Serigraphic poster "Notte su Gerusalemme" from the 90s, originally designed by Piero Fornasetti in the 60s. This fabulous piece of Italian art captures the mysterious and evocative atmosphere of Jerusalem on a starry night...
Paper
Adamo Set of 12 Fornasetti Plates Gilt Background Black White Print Midcentury
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Spectacular set of 12 Fornasetti ADAMO plates with detailed gold background - not the newer flatter plain gold.
Porcelain
Piero Fornasetti Framed Decorative Wall Panel "Mappamondi e Navi" Circa 1950s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A framed decorative wall panel by Piero Fornasetti, Italy (1913-1988). 'Mappamondi e Navi' (Globes and Ships). Described as "very beautiful and quite rare" by the House of Fornasetti...
Masonite
Vintage Piero Fornasetti Ceramiche Panel/Plaque
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A lithographic transfer-printed masonite panel. Originally designed for the Hilton Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey Fornasetti: the complete universe page 456.
Masonite
Painting from the Trophies series, Piero Fornasetti, 1970
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Painting from the series "Trophies," Piero Fornasetti, Italy, 1970, silkscreen on lacquered wood with brass frame, decorative elements inspired by neoclassical motifs, Fornasetti sig...
Paper
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 Adamo or Adam Porcelain Plate # 7, Signed, Excellent Condition
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Kansas City, MO
Piero Fornasetti Adamo or Adam porcelain plate number 7. Signed. Excellent condition.
Porcelain
Piero Fornasetti Adamo / Adam Porcelain Plate Number 12, Signed, Excellent
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Kansas City, MO
Piero Fornasetti Adamo / Adam porcelain plate # 12. Signed. Excellent condition.
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
Piero Fornasetti Plate Libra Zodiac Sign Porcelain 1972, Italy
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
Piero Fornasetti plate Libra Zodiac sign porcelain 1972, Italy.
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
'Seashells & Portrait Busts' Original Lithgraphic Zinc Plate by Piero Fornasetti
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in London, England
An original zinc lithographic plate by Piero Fornasetti used in his studio in the 1950s to print this design on various items for interior furniture and decoration.
Zinc
H 14.18 in W 14.18 in D 0.6 in
FORNASETTI Tema E Variazioni Limited Edition Silk Screen Print 1/100
By Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Piero Fornasetti "Tema e Variazioni" 1/100 limited edition print depicting the face of the famous opera singer Lina Cavalieri / made in Milano Italy, 1998 Width: 14 inches / Height: ...
Paper
H 28.5 in W 20.25 in D 0.1 in
The Beatles 'A Hard Day's Night' Original Vintage Movie Poster, Japanese, 1964
Located in Devon, GB
A rare and sought after Japanese B2 poster for The Beatles' first full-length feature film 'A Hard Day's Night,' which followed the fab four over an anarchic 36 hours in London at th...
Paper
H 31 in W 26.5 in D 2 in
Surrealist Framed Print by Bruce Richards
By Bruce Richards
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Surrealist framed print by Bruce Richards (American, born 1948): "Witness (Man Ray)". Numbered 2/45 and signed Bruce Richards '92.
Ink, Paper
H 28.94 in W 18.71 in D 0.04 in
Original Vintage Poster by Bernard Buffet May 1958 Original Vintage Poster
By Bernard Buffet
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Original vintage poster by Bernard Buffet May 1958.
Paper
H 18.5 in W 14.25 in D 0.5 in
Selection of Alexander Calder Lithographs
By (after) Alexander Calder
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Alexander Calder color lithographs, France, circa 1960s. We purchased a group of these color lithographs from the estate of a couple that lived in France from 1951-1983. These are most likely from the limited edition folio “Derriere Le Miroir”, published by the legendary Galerie Maeght. Please see our other 1stdibs listings for more Alexander Calder and Joan Miro lithographs from...
Glass, Paper, Wood
H 1.19 in Dm 10.24 in
Set 12 Porcelain Plates Adamo Black/White/Gold
By Fornasetti
Located in MILANO, IT
This set of twelve hand-decorated porcelain plates, as a whole, forms the figure of Adamo. You can use the ensemble for ornamental purposes ...
Porcelain
H 32.5 in W 24.25 in D 0.5 in
Selection of Alexander Calder Lithographs
By Alexander Calder
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Alexander Calder color lithographs, circa 1960s. They have been recently framed in clean lined black lacquered wood gallery frames...
Glass, Wood, Paper
H 1.5 in W 9.5 in D 10.5 in
Porcelain Oyster Plate with Seaweeds Limoges, circa 1900
By Limoges
Located in Austin, TX
French porcelain oyster plate with seaweeds Limoges, circa 1900.
Porcelain
H 1.19 in Dm 10.24 in
Set 12 Porcelain Plates Eva Black/White
By Fornasetti
Located in MILANO, IT
This set of twelve hand-decorated porcelain plates, as a whole, forms the figure of Eva. You can use the ensemble for ornamental purposes or...
Porcelain
H 1 in Dm 9 in
French Porcelain Oyster Plate Limoges Circa 1900
By Limoges
Located in Austin, TX
French Porcelain Oyster Plate Limoges Circa 1900.
Ceramic, Porcelain
H 12 in W 32 in D 0.5 in
Selection of Modernist Lithographs or Gallery Wall
By (after) Joan Miró, Alberto Giacometti
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of modernist lithographs or gallery wall, French, circa 1960s. From top left to right, they are: 1) Joan Miro color lithograph, from Derriere Le Miroir, circa 1960s. Seen at upper left. It measures 18.5" H x 25.5" W framed. Newly framed in clean lined black lacquer gallery frame under conservation grade glass. 2) SOLD Alberto Giacometti lithograph...
Glass, Paper, Wood
H 1.19 in Dm 10.24 in
Set 12 Porcelain Plates Adamo Black/White
By Fornasetti
Located in MILANO, IT
This set of twelve hand-decorated porcelain plates, as a whole, forms the figure of Adamo. You can use the ensemble for ornamental purposes ...
Porcelain
H 1 in Dm 8.8 in
French Limoges Majolica Porcelain Oyster Plate, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French Limoges Majolica Porcelain Oyster Plate, circa 1890. with shells.
Porcelain
H 17.75 in W 14.25 in D 0.5 in
Selection of Alexander Calder Lithographs
By (after) Alexander Calder
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Alexander Calder color lithographs, France, circa 1960s. We purchased a group of these color lithographs from the estate of a couple that lived in France from 1951-1983. These are most likely from the limited edition folio “Derriere le Miroir”, published by the legendary Galerie Maeght. Please see our other 1stdibs listings for more Alexander Calder and Joan Miro lithographs from...
Glass, Paper, Wood
H 11.25 in Dm 11.25 in
Set of Eight Fornasetti Lina Cavalieri Porcelain Plates
By Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exceptional set of eight iconic Fornasetti porcelain decorative plates featuring the celebrated Lina Cavalieri surrealist motifs in striking black and white designs. This curated col...
Porcelain
Vintage Italian Piero Fornasetti Grandi Maestri Gilt Portrait Porcelain Plate
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in San Diego, CA
Fantastic vintage mid 20th century Piero Fornasetti decorative porcelain art plate from the "Grandi Maestri" or "Great Masters" series featuring a portrait of 16th century composer ...
Porcelain
H 53.15 in W 55.12 in D 1.58 in
Piero Fornasetti 1950's 'Pompeiana' Four-Panel Screen Italian Red Black Colour
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
This striking four-panel screen, designed in 1951, features the iconic 'Pompeiana' pattern by Fornasetti, evoking the grandeur and elegance of ancient Roman interiors. Crafted from w...
Brass
H 63.39 in W 36.62 in D 0.71 in
FORNASETTI "Jerusalem by Night" Panel
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare original vintage "Jerusalem by Night" screen print on wood panel, designed by Piero Fornasetti / made in Milan Italy by Fornasetti Original label on the back Measures: width 37 ...
Wood
H 26.78 in W 33.08 in D 1.58 in
20th Century Italian La Scala Milano Drawing by Piero Fornasetti
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
La Scala Milano drawing by Piero Fornasetti. A striking depiction of Milan’s famous opera house by one of its foremost residents. Dated circa 1954 and was...
Wood
H 0.4 in Dm 4.14 in
Set of 4 Golden & White Ceramic Small Coaster, Fornasetti Mitologia Series
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This Fornasetti Mitologia set includes four 4 inch (10.5 cm) coasters, . These are in very good condition considering their age, with slight fading of the gold and some very light sc...
Gold Plate
H 42.25 in W 16.5 in D 1.75 in
Piero Fornasetti, Mid-Century Modern, Exhibition Poster, Light Wood Frame, Italy
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Piero Fornasetti Exhibition Poster, Deocrative Art, Framed PIERO FORNASETTI (1913-1988) 'Exposition des Meubles Objects Decorés de Piero Fornasetti' poster Italy,...
Wood, Paper
H 4.13 in W 4.13 in D 0.25 in
Piero Fornasetti Soli Porcelain Coasters, Framed Set of Six, circa 1960
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
A charming framed set of six porcelain coasters from Piero Fornasetti's celebrated Soli e Lune (Suns and Moons) series, Milan, circa 1960–1965. Each is printed in Fornasetti's signat...
Ceramic
H 0.6 in Dm 3.94 in
Fornasetti Butterfly “Farfalle” Ceramic Hand-Painted Coasters Set of 5
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Piero Fornasetti From “Farfalle” (Butterfly) series Five ceramic hand-painted graphic transfer coasters, chargers or small plates. Farfalle - one of Fornasetti’s most beloved a...
Clay, Paint
H 15.75 in W 17.72 in D 0.4 in
'3 Keys' Original Lithographic Zinc Plate by Piero Fornasetti
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in London, England
An original zinc lithographic plate of three decorative keys by Piero Fornasetti (1913 - 1988) used in his studio to transfer this pattern onto various items of furniture, trays, etc...
Zinc
H 0.75 in Dm 10.5 in
Set of 12 Fruit Vegetable Fornasetti Plates Black White Transfer Print, Italy
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Set of 12 black and white transfer printed fruit and vegetable motif plates. Designed by Fornasetti in Italy.
Porcelain
H 39.38 in W 31.5 in D 0.16 in
Piero Fornasetti, Wall Panel 20 "Ultime Notizie" series tiles, Ceramica Bardelli
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Firenze, IT
Piero Fornasetti wall panel. Set of 20 wall tiles. “Ultime Notizie” Series, Ceramica Bardelli, designed in 1953 by Piero Fornasetti. Panel: 100 x 80 cm Single tile: 20 x 20 ...
Ceramic
H 34 in W 34 in D 0.5 in
Fornasetti Sun King Wall Art
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large scale wall art, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Compagnia del Tabacco, Italy, circa 1995. In association with Barnaba Fornasetti in 1995, the Compagnia del Tabacco constructed these wall plaques using Fornasetti designed...
Silk, Plastic
H 21.75 in Dm 27.5 in
Fornasetti 1950's Madripora Coral Red Tray
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Amid the enormous repertory of Fornasetti's work, the tray is perhaps the object that, more than any other, speaks a dense language. It whispers a private idiolect, and makes use of the characteristic Fornasettian visual code." - Mariuca Casadio, Fornasetti: The Complete Universe Rare "Madrepore" tray depicting madrepora coral from marine series by Piero Fornasetti. Condition is not perfect, small losses throughout, surface scratching, but looks good for its age and material, and still "reads" very well. While a variant of this tray is pictured in the blue colorway in the Fornasetti: Complete Universe book...
Metal
H 15 in W 36 in D 1 in
Fornasetti Original Artwork "Ogetti Con Nastro"
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Original Artwork for ogetti con nastro. Deaccessioned from the Fornasetti Archives. Nicey framed
Paper
H 0.99 in Dm 8.27 in
Piero Fornasetti “Virgo” Plate Porcelain Gold, 1969, Italy
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
Piero Fornasetti.
Porcelain