Lino Sabattini was the preeminent figure in modern Italian silver and metalware design. His expansive and diverse body of work is marked by its strength and boldness, whether in dynamic forms that suggest the thrust and power of Italian Futurist art and design or light and curvaceous biomorphic serveware and decorative objects.
Sabattini was largely self-taught as a designer. Born in the northern Italian town of Correggio, he learned metalsmithing techniques while working in the studio of a maker of brass tableware. He also served as an apprentice of sorts to the expatriate German ceramist Roland Hettner, who taught Sabattini about fluidity of form and showed him how shapes derive from the behavior of materials.
At age 30, Sabattini opened a studio in Milan, and his work quickly came to the attention of Gio Ponti, who decided to publish it in Domus, the Italian design legend's influential design and architecture magazine. Ponti also arranged for Sabattini’s creations to be included in a 1956 exhibition of contemporary Italian design in Paris. The principals of Christofle, the revered French silverware maker, were so impressed that they hired the young designer as the firm’s artistic director, a post he held until 1963. Sabattini, who would also go on to design ceramic wares for Rosenthal, returned home to open Argenteria Sabattini in Bregnano, a company still in business today.
A designer with a questing curiosity and ever-evolving aesthetic sensibility, Sabattini couldn’t be pinned down to one particular style. His best-known work, the Como coffee and tea service of 1956, has an elegant, attenuated and energetic form; his Stairs coffee and tea service (1971), meanwhile, is a clever group of simple columnar shapes in stepped heights, which nest together in a compact arrangement. Other Sabattini pieces have dramatic angles, or sweeping, wing-like flourishes, or consist of perforated ovoids somehow reminiscent of sculptures by Brancusi. In any style, Sabattini produced objects of singular fascination.
Find a range of vintage Lino Sabattini vases and other decorative objects on 1stDibs.
Lino Sabattini Sculptural Modernist Silverplate Centerpiece Bowl, Italy, 1970s
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Bilzen, BE
A refined and sculptural silverplate centerpiece by renowned Italian designer Lino Sabattini. This elegant bowl features a broad, gently curved form supported by a dynamic, sweeping...
Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini "La Giostra" Silver-Plated Centerpiece with Beads, Italy 1987
By Lino Sabattini
Located in PARIS, FR
"La Giostra" silver-plated centerpiece designed by Lino Sabattini (1925-2016), produced by Argenteria Sabattini in Bregnano, Como, Italy, 1987. A named model from the Collezione Saba...
Silver Plate, Brass
Lino Sabattini Centerpiece Baja in Silvered Metal, 1970s, Italy, 50cm
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Turin, Turin
Centerpiece model "Baja" by Lino Sabattini in Silvered Metal, produced in '70s. Very good condition, as never used, fully original. Presence of the signature with name of the model.
Metal
20th Century, Lino Sabattini Vase Model Persepoli in Silvered Metal 1964
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Turin, Turin
Vase model "Persepoli" by Lino Sabattini in Silvered Metal, produced in '70s. Very good condition, as never used, fully original. Presence of the signature as shown in photo.
Metal
$1,169Sale Price|20% Off
Lino Sabattini Italian Midcentury Silver-Plated Centerpiece "Icnusa" Model 1970s
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury modern design silver-plated metal centrepiece tray model ‘Icnusa’ designed by Lino Sabattini for Collezione Sabattini Italy, series 1970/1995, signature ‘Icnusa’, ...
Silver Plate
Silver "Sayala" Sculptural Bowl by Lino Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This silver plated Sabattini sculptural bowl is signed "Lino Sabattini" and stamped above with " Sayala S/41 Callezione Sabattini Bregnano Italy". Perfect as a centerpiece on a dinin...
Silver Plate
Pair of Silver Plated Candleholder by Lino Sabattini, Italy. 1970s
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Milan, IT
Set of two silver plated candle holders by Lino Sabattini for Sabattini Argenteria.
Metal
Lino Sabattini Large Round Silver-Plated Centerpiece/Tray, 1970s Italy
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Indulge in the grandeur of the 1970s design era with this remarkable and substantial Lino Sabattini Large Round Silver-Plated Centerpiece Tray. Crafted in Italy by the revered artisa...
Silver Plate
Silver "Baja" Centerpiece Bowl by Lino Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This oblong silver plated centerpiece bowl is known as the "Baja" by Lino Sabattini. It is stamped "SABATTINNI" on the edge of the bowl and signed "LINO SABATTINO" with "BAJA B/239 C...
Silver Plate
$374Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Lino Sabattini Silver-Plated Metal Serving Plate, Marked, Italy
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s - 1980s. This is a great silver plated metal serving dish. Its simple design was created by Lino Sabattini. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show sli...
Metal, Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini, Large silver-plated centerpiece / tray, Sabattini Italy 1970s
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Firenze, IT
Large silver-plated centerpiece / tray by Lino Sabattini Sabattini Italy 1970s H 3 cm / 44 cm diam. Marked on the base. Conditions: excellent, no defects
Silver Plate
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Center Piece by Lino Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Miami, FL
A fabulous minimalistic designed silver plated center piece by Lino Sabattini. Made in Italy.
Silver Plate
$748Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Lino Sabattini Silver-Plated Brass Shell Vide-Poche, Italy
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This is a great silver plated brass vide-poche in the shape of a shell. Its simple design was created by Lino Sabattini. This is a vintage piece, therefore it ...
Silver Plate, Brass
Lino Sabattini Italy Vase "Persepoli" Limited Edition 8/237
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Toledo, OH
Lio Sabattini "Persepoli" limited edition vase 8/237 Italy.
Metal
"Germoglio" Lino Sabattini Italian Design 1970s Silver Vase
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Brescia, IT
"Germoglio" Vases design Lino Sabattini 1979 Silver metal Excellent condiction.
Metal
$383Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.63 in Dm 1.97 in
Moritz vase, design Lino SABATTINI in silvered metal and glass. Italy, 90s
By Lino Sabattini, Sabattini Argenteria
Located in Torino, IT
Moritz vase, design Lino SABATTINI for Sabattini Silverware, in silver metal and glass base. ORIGIN Italy PERIOD 1990s DESIGNER Lino SABATTINI (1925-2016) was born in Correggio (R...
Metal, Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini 'Cardinale' Bud Vase Design for Christofle
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Sharon, CT
The largest (14.5") version of this classic silver plated brass vase designed by Lino Sabattini for Christofle. Fully signed on bottom.
Silver Plate
Modernist Chrome Fruit Bowl by Lino Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice modernist chrome fruit bowl by Lino Sabattini, circa 1970s. The design features a long clean look with round swirls on each end. The pie...
Chrome
$1,637
H 1.19 in Dm 17.33 in
Lino Sabattini, Large silver-plated centerpiece / tray, Sabattini Italy 1970s
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Firenze, IT
Large silver-plated centerpiece / tray by Lino Sabattini Sabattini Italy 1970s H 3 cm / 44 cm diam. Marked on the base. Conditions: excellent, no defects
Silver Plate
$1,579
H 1.97 in Dm 14.57 in
Large Handmade Hammered Silver Centerpiece Bowl by Renzo Cassetti, Italy 1970s
By Renzo Cassetti
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic large round shell shaped centerpiece completely handmade in hammered silver plate. This beautiful piece was designed by Renzo Cassetti in Italy in the 1970s and is signed i...
Silver Plate
$538
H 8.86 in W 7.09 in D 13.98 in
Mid-Century Italian Crystal Glass Shell Centerpiece Bowl, 1960s–1970s
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
Mid-Century Italian Crystal Glass Shell Centerpiece Bowl, 1960s–1970s Striking mid-century centerpiece bowl or compote crafted in heavy crystal glass, Italian origin and dating from...
Glass
$3,950Sale Price|58% Off
H 17 in W 22.5 in D 7.5 in
In Manner of Christofle 19th-20th Century Silver Plated & Cut-Glass Centerpiece
By Christofle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine and rare 19th-20th century neoclassical revival style silver plated and cut-glass centrepiece in the manner of Christofle. The boat-shaped body with ornately finely chased det...
Metal
$748Sale Price|20% Off
H 27.56 in Dm 27.56 in
Italian Midcentury Large Ornamental Plate Centerpiece from the 1970s
Located in bari, IT
Italian midcentury large ornamental plate centerpiece from the 1970s. A typical pictorial graphics of the 1970s.
Ceramic
Lino Sabattini Persepoli Collezione Vase Signed Italy 1960s
By Lino Sabattini
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Lino Sabattini "Persepoli" Collezione vase made in Italy, circa the 1960s. The silver-plated vase is signed with Lino Sabattini's signature at the bottom right side and is marked "Pe...
Metal
Beautiful Silver Plate Vintage Compote with Aqua Floats
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Lovely decorative silver plate compote with beautiful workmanship. It's been lacquered so won't tarnish. Pretty collection of light aqua glass floaters are included.
Silver Plate
Italy-2002 Silver Plate Centrepiece By Lino Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini
Located in London, GB
This beautiful large centre piece made by Lino Sabattini - Italy from Magic Collection 2002 Silver Plated. Stamped and Signed on the bottom -MAGIC- 2002 COLLEZIONE SABATTINI / ITALY
Silver Plate
Lino Sabattini 'La Giostra' silver-plated dish - Italy, 1987
By Lino Sabattini
Located in London, GB
A silver-plated brass dish by pioneering Italian silversmith Lino Sabattini (1925-2016). Four polished silver spheres intersect the slim rim with a signature purity of form. “I find...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 2.17 in W 22.84 in D 2.76 in
1976s Modern Silver Plated French Centerpiece by Gio Ponti for Christofle
By Lino Sabattini, Christofle, Gio Ponti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A modern centerpiece designed by Gio Ponti and Lino Sabattini and manufactured by Christofle, it's hall marked and signed by Gio Ponti, it's in perfect condition, in original box and...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 7.88 in W 14.97 in D 3.55 in
Lino Sabattini Large Silver Persepoli Vase, Signed, Limited Edition 3/237
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Dronten, NL
Lino Sabatini's sleek Italian silver plated vase in the earliest Sabattini limited edition of 237. Marked with Sabattini stamp at the bottom and signed with Lino Sabattini signature ...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 2.56 in W 14.97 in D 14.97 in
Lino Sabattini Large Square Silver-Plated Centerpiece/Tray, 1970s Italy
By Lino Sabattini, Sabattini Argenteria
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Presenting an exquisite vintage centerpiece tray by the renowned Italian designer Lino Sabattini, crafted in Italy during the 1970s. This stunning large square silver-plated tray exu...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 3.15 in W 23.04 in D 8.08 in
Postmodern Sabattini Sheffield Plated Metal and Ceramic Serving Plate, Italy
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy. This is a great Sheffield plated metal and lacquered ceramic serving dish / vide-poche. Its simple design was created by Lino Sabattini in Italy, circa 1970s. This is...
Metal, Sheffield Plate
Sold
H 2.76 in W 9.85 in D 8.27 in
Postmodern Lino Sabattini Silver-Plated Brass and Glass Shell Vide-Poche, Italy
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This is a great silver plated brass and etched glass vide-poche in the shape of a shell. Its simple design was created by Lino Sabattini. This is a vintage ...
Silver Plate, Brass
Sold
H 3.15 in W 18.51 in D 10.63 in
Postmodern Lino Sabattini Silver-Plated and Ceramic Serving Plate, Italy
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This is a great silver plated metal and lacquered ceramic serving dish. Its simple design was created by Lino Sabattini in Italy, circa 1970s. This is a vintag...
Metal, Silver Plate
Sold
H 2.37 in W 5.71 in D 4.93 in
Postmodern Lino Sabattini Silver-Plated and Ceramic Cheese Bowl with Spoon
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This is a silver plated metal and lacquered ceramic cheese bowl. Its simple design was created by Lino Sabattini. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might...
Metal, Silver
Sold
H 1.97 in W 15.75 in D 12.6 in
Postmodern Lino Sabattini Silver-Plated and Glass Serving Plate or Trivet, Italy
By Lino Sabattini
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This is a great silver plated metal and glass serving dish, which can also be used as a trivet. Its simple design was created ...
Metal
Lino Sabattini Italian Silver-Plated Metal Sculpture Vase, 1970s
By Lino Sabattini, Sabattini Argenteria
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian sculpture vase model Germoglio in silver-plated metal designed by Lino Sabattini and produced by Argenterie Sabattini with the trademark engraved under the base Sabattini Mad...
Silver Plate
1970s, Lino Sabattini Modernist Italian Centerpiece
By Lino Sabattini, Sabattini Argenteria
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A stylish centerpiece designed by Lino Sabattini and manufactured by sabattini Argenteria, the silver plated item it's marked on the bottom Sabattin...
Silver Plate