Aldo Londi for Bitossi
Tang Horse
Bookends
About the Item
- Creator:Aldo Londi (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 8.5 in (21.59 cm)Width: 12.5 in (31.75 cm)Depth: 4 in (10.16 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1963
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Kilmarnock, VA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU88305258743
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
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays
Stoneware
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays
Stoneware
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Ceramic, Stoneware, Terracotta
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays
Ceramic, Pottery
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays
Ceramic, Stoneware, Terracotta
Late 20th Century Portuguese Bookends
Porcelain
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Ceramic
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Ceramic
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
Ceramic
More From This Seller
View AllVintage 1950s Italian Tang Animal Sculptures
Earthenware, Majolica
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Earthenware
Vintage 1950s Italian Hollywood Regency Animal Sculptures
Earthenware
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Paperweights
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Czech Paperweights
Art Glass
Vintage 1960s Unknown Paperweights
Crystal
