Piero Fornasetti (1913-1988) Italian, Hand Painted Porcelain and Metal Smoke Set. 2 pieces. Both illustrated all around with images of garlands and plants above and rough waves below with Renaissance style figures rowing boats through them. Style is called "Orlik," marked on the base of one piece and the inside of the other. 

Condition: Commensurate with age. 

Largest Size: 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 4 in. 

Piero Fornasetti was born on November 10th, 1913 in Milan, Italy. His family was upper middle class, and he was encouraged in his creative pursuits early on, including design, decoration, painting, curating, and printing. His oeuvre eventually came to span over 13,000 known works, and he displayed a proficiency for a wide range of styles and mediums, particularly making furniture with a unique emphasis on decorative diversity. In 1932 he enrolled at the Brera Academy but was expelled two years later for insubordination. He then moved on to the Higher School of Applied Arts in Industry at the Castello Sforzesco, also in Milan, where he completed his schooling. It was here that he solidified his artistic philosophy, emphasizing the production of series over one-of-a-kind pieces, which reflected his motto: “democratize art.” In 1943, after establishing himself through etchings and murals, his career was put on hold as he fled to Switzerland to avoid serving in the war. This was his first major prolific period, producing posters, lithographs, watercolors, and portraits to support himself. After the war Fornasetti returned to Milan and founded the design and decorative arts atelier that still bears his name, achieving international fame by the early 50s with their interior design for a line of world-traveling cruise ships. One decisive factor in starting this activity was meeting Gio Ponti, who became both his collaborator and mentor and pushed him to develop everyday, accessible objects that were still luxurious in appearance. Porcelain items, furniture and furnishing accessories represented the heart of Fornasetti’s production, although he frequently created paintings and sculptures in clay and bronze as well. He was famous for his theatricality, which manifested in all of his works, particularly those incorporating surreal and proto-Pop Art aesthetics. Although Fornasetti faced challenges adapting to evolving design trends in the 60s and 70s, his legacy was eventually rediscovered in the early 80s and celebrated through exhibitions and publications. His fusion of classicism, surrealism, and metaphysical art, combined with his commitment to drawing as an innovative tool, cemented his influence on design and decoration. Fornasetti sadly passed away on October 15th, 1988 during an operation in a Milan hospital, but his enduring impact continues through the work of his son Barnaba and admirers worldwide.

Commensurate with age.