Dissected Symphony: Fornasetti's Orchestra Plates (1960s-1970s)

This is an extensive set of sixteen porcelain plates by Piero Fornasetti featuring his complex "Orchestra" pattern, typically dating from the 1960s or 1970s. This series is one of Fornasetti's most striking graphic explorations of the musical theme.

Unlike other musical designs that show scattered, complete instruments, the Orchestra pattern depicts an abstracted, interwoven composition of brass and woodwind instrument parts. Tubing, valves, bells, and keys overlap and intersect across a background printed to resemble a wood grain texture. The design is a sophisticated collage, printed in black and white with select elements highlighted in vibrant yellows, reds, and other colors, suggesting the polished brass and lacquer of the instruments. The repetition of the theme, with variations in how the instrument parts intersect on each plate, creates a dynamic, Cubist-like dissection of a full orchestra.

Specifications and Marks
Design: Orchestra Pattern
Date: Circa 1960s-1970s
Medium: Transfer-printed porcelain with hand-applied color accents

Markings: The underside features the dedicated mark for this series:

FORNASETTI - MILANO/ The Fornasetti hand and paintbrush motif/ The series title: ORCHESTRA/ MADE IN ITALY

Historical Context: Graphic Abstraction

The Orchestra series represents a phase in Fornasetti's career where his designs became more abstract and complex, moving beyond the simple scattering of motifs to highly layered, two-dimensional collages. The incorporation of the wood grain texture contrasts sharply with the metallic curves of the instruments, creating a sophisticated visual tension.

This design showcases Fornasetti's skill not just as a graphic artist, but as a conceptual designer who could fragment a classical subject (the orchestra) and reassemble it into a compelling modern pattern. The extensive nature of the set (sixteen plates) emphasizes its collectible and highly decorative quality, allowing the intricate, interlocking design to be appreciated both individually and as a grand, repeating motif.

(Ref: ny9066-pkr)


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: a couple with very slight stacking rubs- see photos

Dimensions:
Height: 10 in.
Width: 10 in.
Depth: 1 in.

Category: Decorative Plates
Origin: Italy
Materials: Porcelain
Creator: Brand: Piero Fornasetti; Designer: Piero Fornasetti

Shipping:

Domestic: Flat-rate of $63.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S.

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Location: This item ships from Downingtown, PA

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Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; a couple with very slight stacking rubs- see photos