Mid-Century Mixology: A Complete Set of Piero Fornasetti 'Vini e Liquori' Porcelain Coasters
Circa 1950s

This charming and complete set of eight porcelain barware coasters designed by the iconic Italian visionary Piero Fornasetti features the whimsical "Vini e Liquori" (Wines and Liquors) pattern. Each individual coaster features a specific libation"”Gin, Rum, Sherry, Madeira, Port, Rhenish, Brandy, and Whiskey"”rendered in Fornasetti's signature black and white lithographic transfer style and brilliantly highlighted with rich, hand-applied gilt accents.

The graphic illustrations cleverly mimic antique silver decanter labels, complete with hanging chains, ribbons, heraldic shields, and rustic barrels, seamlessly transforming utilitarian barware into miniature works of surrealist art. The set retains its original two-part gold cylindrical box base.

Mark: The reverse of each piece bears comprehensive factory marks, including the pattern name "Vini E Liquori" framed within a classic bottle silhouette, alongside the traditional Fornasetti hand-and-brush insignia, "Fornasetti Milano," and "Made in Italy."

Dimensions
4 1/8 inches (10.48 cm) Diameter
1/4 inch (0.64 cm) High

Condition Report
The coasters are in excellent vintage condition, with the crisp black lithographic details and delicate gilding remaining remarkably bright, crisp, and free of notable wear.

Provenance
Private Collection.

Historical Context

Piero Fornasetti was a pioneering Milanese designer, sculptor, and painter who fundamentally defined the whimsical, graphic aesthetic of mid-century Italian decorative arts. Operating from his busy Milan atelier during the post-war period, Fornasetti achieved international renown for his masterful deployment of trompe l'oeil, visual puns, and historical engravings recontextualized onto modern ceramic and glass surfaces.

The 1950s witnessed a roaring global cocktail culture, making sophisticated, artist-designed barware highly sought after by hostesses and the international elite. The "Vini e Liquori" series perfectly exemplifies Fornasetti's ability to blend 19th-century typographic sensibilities with a playful, surrealist twist, transforming everyday objects into highly collectible conversation pieces.

(Ref: NY11131-innx)


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

Origin:
Italy

Creator:
Brand: Piero Fornasetti; Artist: Piero Fornasetti; Designer: Piero Fornasetti

Materials & Techniques:
Ceramic

International: No International Shipping for this auction.
Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Good condition