Golden Hour Grooves: Fornasetti's Anthemion Appetizer Bowls

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Golden Hour Grooves: Fornasetti's Anthemion Appetizer Bowls

Own a piece of mid-century Italian elegance with this rare and complete set … Read more Golden Hour Grooves: Fornasetti's Anthemion Appetizer Bowls

Own a piece of mid-century Italian elegance with this rare and complete set of six ceramic appetizer bowls by the celebrated artist Piero Fornasetti (1913-1988). Executed circa 1960, these bowls feature the sophisticated "Anthemion" motif, transforming simple tableware into a luxurious decorative statement.

Dimensions: 3 inches diameter x 2 inches high (7.62 cm x 5.08 cm)

Design and Detail:

Each bowl in this set features an identical, striking design. A wide band showcasing the classical Anthemion (honeysuckle or palmette) motif is rendered in crisp black and white, creating a strong graphic contrast. This classical band is elegantly framed by two bands of lustrous gold gilt, which accent the pedestal base and the rim, lending the pieces a timeless, opulent quality. The combination of ancient Greek motif, bold graphic black-and-white, and brilliant gold is a hallmark of Fornasetti's refined aesthetic.

Historical Context: Classical Tradition Meets Mid-Century Modernism

The "Anthemion" motif, steeped in classical Greek and Roman history, perfectly illustrates Piero Fornasetti’s design philosophy: to infuse modern objects with history, wonder, and intellectual wit. His most prolific period was post-World War II (1950s and 60s), a time when Italian design achieved international acclaim for blending classical tradition with modern innovation.

This set of appetizer bowls, which was part of a larger collection of twenty-six different designs, reflects Fornasetti’s core vision of creating captivating, high-style objects for daily life. The mark on the underside—a black "Fornasetti Milano / made in Italy" on a gold star with the iconic hand and brush symbol—confirms their origin and pedigree. These pieces are not just functional ceramics; they are a superb testament to the enduring influence of a master who believed art should be an inseparable part of the everyday.

Reference:

Fornasetti, The Complete Universe, Barnaba Fornasetti, Rizzoli, New York, Page 560, #13 (References the bowls as "appetizer bowls" and notes they were part of a collection of twenty-six designs typically sold in sets of six).

(Ref: NY10698-pmmx) See less