Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini Blue Glazed Square Midcentury Ashtray, Italy, 1960s
About the Item
- Creator:Aldo Londi (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 1.19 in (3 cm)Width: 5.52 in (14 cm)Depth: 5.52 in (14 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1960
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Barcelona, ES
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU4859229155712
Aldo Londi
Master Italian ceramist Aldo Londi created a range of decorative objects in the latter half of the 20th century for the manufacturer Bitossi. In addition to the small-scale animal sculptures for which he is best known, Londi designed a variety of ceramics for the famed company that includes vases, bowls and desk accessories. Collectors know that vintage Aldo Londi pottery is marked by deep attention to detail and an integration of rich, alluring hues typically associated with the Mediterranean.
Londi was born in Montelupo Fiorentino, just outside of Florence, an area that has been known for its pottery since the Renaissance. Londi showed an early interest in the craft, apprenticing at the Fratelli Fanciullacci ceramic workshop when he was only 11 years old. He worked at the company until he left to fight in World War II. After returning to Montelupo Fiorentino in 1946, Londi became the creative director at Bitossi — a position he held for more than 50 years.
Londi's fresh and unique style breathed new life into Bitossi. He prioritized the production of high-quality and handmade decorative objects and created many of Bitossi's pottery lines himself. The most famous of Londi's Bitossi collections is the Rimini Blu line of animals and vases, which debuted in 1955. The collection is characterized by geometric and whimsical patterns and is recognizable for its marvelous blue color.
Londi's fame and popularity extended outside of Italy with the help of Raymor. The American import and distribution company introduced many esteemed Italian manufacturers such as Bitossi to boutiques and department stores in the United States. After Raymor founder Irving Richards hired Ettore Sottsass to design ceramics, Richards connected his new recruit to Londi. Decades before he founded a legendary postmodern design collective in Milan called the Memphis Group, Sottsass used the Bitossi kilns to create timeless works that manifest both primitive forms and modern geometries.
In 2021, Bitossi opened the Bitossi Archive Museum at its Montelupo Fiorentino headquarters. Many of the works designed by the company's most esteemed contributor and artistic director, Aldo Londi, are proudly displayed.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Aldo Londi serveware, lighting, decorative objects and more.
You May Also Like
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-P...
Ceramic
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls
Pottery, Terracotta, Ceramic
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Ceramic, Earthenware, Clay
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays
Pottery, Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls
Pottery
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls
Pottery, Terracotta, Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays
Pottery, Terracotta, Ceramic
More From This Seller
View AllMid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls
Murano Glass
Vintage 1960s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Umbrella Stands
Iron
Vintage 1960s Italian Table Lamps
Art Glass
Vintage 1960s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
Bamboo
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
Murano Glass
Vintage 1970s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Iron
