Operatic Gold: Set of 8 Piero Fornasetti "Melodramma" Coasters,
1960s

A spectacular complete set of eight Piero Fornasetti ceramic coasters from the "Melodramma" (Melodrama) series, dating to the 1960s.

Each coaster features a rich, heavy gold gilt ground, creating a dramatic stage for the finely detailed black transfer-printed portraits of iconic leading roles from the Golden Age of Opera. The characters are depicted in period costume, with a banner below each portrait identifying the role, the opera, the composer, and the composer's dates.

The set comprises the following characters:

Jose (Carmen by Georges Bizet)

Otello (Otello by Giuseppe Verdi)

Pinkerton (Madame Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini)

Rodolfo (La Bohème by Giacomo Puccini)

Carmen (Carmen by Georges Bizet)

Desdemona (Otello by Giuseppe Verdi)

Butterfly (Madame Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini)

Mimi (La Bohème by Giacomo Puccini)

Markings: Underside: Printed with the typical Fornasetti "hand and brush" logo inside a black scroll.

Text: "Fornasetti Milano / Made in Italy."

Numbering: Each coaster bears a number in the series (1 through 8) and a gold gilder's mark.

Measurements:
Diameter: 4 1/8 inches (10.5 cm)
Height: 1/4 inch (0.6 cm)

Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The gold gilding remains bright and the transfer prints are crisp.

Historical Context:

Piero Fornasetti (1913–1988) was a Milanese painter, sculptor, and interior decorator whose whimsical and surrealist style defined 20th-century Italian design. Music and theater were constant sources of inspiration for his work. The "Melodramma" series pays homage to the grand emotionality of 19th-century opera, capturing the romance and tragedy of the stage. The use of heavy gold gilding on these pieces was a hallmark of Fornasetti's luxury wares from the 1950s and 60s, designed to shimmer by candlelight during evening entertaining.

(Ref: NY11031-narx)


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Good condition

Dimensions:
Height: 0.25 in.
Width: 4.13 in.
Depth: 4.13 in.

Category: Coasters
Origin: Italy
Materials: Ceramic
Creator: Brand: Piero Fornasetti; Artist: Piero Fornasetti; Designer: Piero Fornasetti

Shipping:

Domestic: Flat-rate of $19.00 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.

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Good condition