
Description
Nature Dissected: Set of Six Fornasetti "Sezioni Di Frutta" Plates
Circa 1960s
A striking set of six porcelain salad plates designed by the renowned Piero Fornasetti in the 1960s, featuring his iconic "Sezioni Di Frutta" (Sections of Fruit) pattern.
Each plate serves as a canvas for a bold, trompe-l'œil depiction of a different fruit cut in cross-section, revealing the intricate internal structure of seeds, flesh, and core. The designs are rendered with the precision of 19th-century botanical illustrations but stylized with Fornasetti's signature graphic flair. The set includes a diverse orchard of specimens, including a pear, pomegranate, apple, fig, lemon, and peach (or stone fruit).
Markings: The reverse of each plate bears the definitive marks for this period:
The Fornasetti Milano mark (hand holding a brush).
The series title: "SEZIONI DI FRUTTA" inside a stylized half-fruit graphic.
The specific design numbers for this set: 1, 3, 4, 8, 9, & 12.
The green underglaze mark of the German porcelain manufacturer Hutschenreuther Selb, dating the production of the blanks to 1955–1968.
Measurements:
Diameter: 8 1/2 inches (21.6 cm)
Height: 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Condition: Excellent vintage condition; transfer prints are crisp and vibrant.
Historical Context:
The Series: The Sezioni Di Frutta series is one of Fornasetti's most celebrated nature-inspired collections. It transforms the mundane subject of fruit into sophisticated graphic art, playing with the concept of "dissecting" nature to reveal its hidden geometry.
The Maker: During the 1950s and 60s, Fornasetti frequently applied his transfers to high-quality porcelain blanks produced by Hutschenreuther in Germany, a collaboration that ensured the durability and whiteness of the porcelain base matched the quality of the lithographic transfer.
Reference: This series is illustrated in Fornasetti: The Complete Universe by Barnaba Fornasetti (page 604, #128).
(Ref: NY11019-lnrx)
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Good condition
Dimensions:
Height: 8.5 in.
Width: 8.5 in.
Depth: 1 in.
Category: Decorative Plates
Origin: Israel
Materials: Canvas, Porcelain
Creator: Brand: Piero Fornasetti; Artist: Piero Fornasetti; Designer: Piero Fornasetti
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $43.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S. International: No International Shipping for this auction. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding. Location: This item ships from Downingtown, PA
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Circa 1960s
A striking set of six porcelain salad plates designed by the renowned Piero Fornasetti in the 1960s, featuring his iconic "Sezioni Di Frutta" (Sections of Fruit) pattern.
Each plate serves as a canvas for a bold, trompe-l'œil depiction of a different fruit cut in cross-section, revealing the intricate internal structure of seeds, flesh, and core. The designs are rendered with the precision of 19th-century botanical illustrations but stylized with Fornasetti's signature graphic flair. The set includes a diverse orchard of specimens, including a pear, pomegranate, apple, fig, lemon, and peach (or stone fruit).
Markings: The reverse of each plate bears the definitive marks for this period:
The Fornasetti Milano mark (hand holding a brush).
The series title: "SEZIONI DI FRUTTA" inside a stylized half-fruit graphic.
The specific design numbers for this set: 1, 3, 4, 8, 9, & 12.
The green underglaze mark of the German porcelain manufacturer Hutschenreuther Selb, dating the production of the blanks to 1955–1968.
Measurements:
Diameter: 8 1/2 inches (21.6 cm)
Height: 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Condition: Excellent vintage condition; transfer prints are crisp and vibrant.
Historical Context:
The Series: The Sezioni Di Frutta series is one of Fornasetti's most celebrated nature-inspired collections. It transforms the mundane subject of fruit into sophisticated graphic art, playing with the concept of "dissecting" nature to reveal its hidden geometry.
The Maker: During the 1950s and 60s, Fornasetti frequently applied his transfers to high-quality porcelain blanks produced by Hutschenreuther in Germany, a collaboration that ensured the durability and whiteness of the porcelain base matched the quality of the lithographic transfer.
Reference: This series is illustrated in Fornasetti: The Complete Universe by Barnaba Fornasetti (page 604, #128).
(Ref: NY11019-lnrx)
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Good condition
Dimensions:
Height: 8.5 in.
Width: 8.5 in.
Depth: 1 in.
Category: Decorative Plates
Origin: Israel
Materials: Canvas, Porcelain
Creator: Brand: Piero Fornasetti; Artist: Piero Fornasetti; Designer: Piero Fornasetti
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Good condition
Buyer's Premium
20%
Nature Dissected: Set of Six Fornasetti "Sezioni Di Frutta" Plates Circa 1960s
Estimate $2,000-$4,800
Starting Price
$2,000
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Design Classics
Mar 20, 2026 4:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
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