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.
Italian Majolica Ceramic Jug Goemetrical decor Pattern Blue and Green Circa 1960
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
It is a hand painted ceramic pitcher in green and Blue color. It was made in the 1960s in Italy. It represents a bird with Goemetrical decor Pattern. By Aldo londi for Bitossi.
Ceramic
Handmade Rimini Blue Lacquered Ceramic Jug by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Handmade in Italy, 1970s. This jug is made in Rimini blue lacquered ceramic. It is a vintage item, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in excell...
Ceramic
Vintage Italian Modernist Gilt Ceramic "Seta" Pitcher by Aldo Londi for Bitossi
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Luxurious vintage ceramic jug/pitcher with sculptural handle from the Seta (silk) line designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi (ca. 1960s, Italy). Composed of rose, orange, light blue, an...
Ceramic
Handmade Rimini Blue Lacquered Ceramic Jug by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Handmade in Italy, 1960s. This jug is made in Rimini blue lacquered ceramic. It is a vintage item, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be considered as in excell...
Ceramic
Rare Bitossi Pitcher Vase Sgraffito Flower Decor Blue Green
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Rare and unusual pitcher vase with abstract sgraffito decor was made by Bitossi Ceramiche; it is very similar in style to pieces that were designed for Bitossi by Aldo Londi. It is ...
Ceramic, Pottery, Majolica
Handmade Brown Lacquered Earthenware Pitcher by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Handmade in Italy, 1970s. This jug is made in lacquered earthenware with brown and orange shades, which are rare colors. It is a vintage item, therefore it might show slight traces o...
Earthenware
Bitossi Aldo Londi Rimini Blue Ceramic Vase, Italy 1960
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Barcelona, ES
'Rimini blu' glazed ceramic vase designed by Aldo Londi for by Bitossi. Italy, 1960s. This eye-catching vase is made of blue glazed ceramic with engraved patterns surrounding the cen...
Ceramic, Pottery, Terracotta
Midcentury Bitossi Aldo Londi Rimini Blue Glazed Ceramic Vase
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Barcelona, ES
'Rimini blu' glazed ceramic vase designed by Aldo Londi for by Bitossi. Italy, 1960s. This eye-catching vase is made of blue glazed ceramic with engraved patterns surrounding the cen...
Ceramic, Pottery, Terracotta
Minton Majolica Acorn and Snail Jug/pitcher
By Minton
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Minton Majolica jug/pitcher which features oak leaves and acorns to the sides and a snail to the handle. Colouration: brown, green, ochre, are predominant. The piece bears maker's ma...
Majolica
Mid-Century Bitossi Stambecchi by Aldo Londi
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Nice vase from Bitossi by Aldo Londi. The pattern is Stambecchi or Caprone (goat), designed by Aldo Londi. A sgraffito and glazed pattern of goats in grey, brown and orange on a brus...
Ceramic
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Large Vase
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Stunning large vase designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, features a seta design in rare "Lobster" colors. Measures: 16” tall 5” wide.
Ceramic
Large Bitossi Ceramic Vase by Aldo Londi
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Chicago, IL
Bitossi ceramic vase by Aldo Londi.
Ceramic
$1,100
H 8.51 in W 3.35 in D 2.21 in
Italian Vintage Ceramic Rhimini Blue Vase by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, circa 1960
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Beautiful tall embossed vase in vibrant 'Rhimini' blue and turquoise by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, circa 1968. A great. piece of vintage, mid-century handmade Italian pottery. Shape number 727/21. We have more rare Bitossi...
Ceramic, Clay
$2,200
H 12.05 in W 5.63 in D 4.14 in
Huge Italian Vintage Ceramic Rhimini Blue Vase Aldo Londi for Bitossi, C. 1960
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Beautiful and rare tall 30cm/12" embossed vase in vibrant 'Rhimini' blue and turquoise by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, circa 1968. A great piece of vintage, mid-century handmade Italian pottery. Very rare size to find. Shape number 727/30. We have more rare Bitossi...
Ceramic, Clay
Aldo Londi Terracotta Ceramic Rimini Blue Vase for Bitossi, Italy, 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning sphere-shaped terracotta ceramic Rimini blue vase for Bitossi. This magnificent set was designed by Aldo Londi in Italy during 1960s. This...
Ceramic, Terracotta
Beautiful 1960s Rimini Blu ceramic vase by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Italy
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in München, DE
A very beautiful decorative 1960s ceramic vase from the Rimini Blu collection. The design is by the renowned Italian artist and painter Aldo Londi. Manufactured by Bitossi. Made in I...
Ceramic
Majolica Glazed Ceramic Oranges Pitcher / Jug, Spain, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching realistic Majolica oranges jug / pitcher in orange and green glazed ceramic, Spain, 1950s-1960s. Hand-painted Manises ceramic decorative jug in the shape of a bunch of ...
Ceramic, Majolica
$1,100Sale Price|56% Off
H 5.75 in Dm 5.5 in
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Vase, Ceramic, Orange, Brown, Signed
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in New York, NY
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Vase, Ceramic, Orange, Brown, Signed. Small ball form vase with orange glazed body and raw clay collar. Signed on underside of base: 4208 B Italy.
Ceramic
Bitossi Aldo Londi Rimini Blu Signed XL Ceramic Pitcher , Italy 1960s
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Valencia, VC
Aldo Londi for Bitossi from the Rimini Blu range vintage ceramic pitcher, featuring the classical blue glazed rough surface and a large sunflower in both sides. Handcrafted in Flavia...
Ceramic
Vintage Italian Bitossi Aldo Londi Rimini Blu Ceramic Pitcher, Italy, 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Valencia, VC
Beautiful Italian vintage ceramic pitcher by Aldo Londi for Bitossi from the Rimini Blu range. Handcrafted in Flavia Montelupo, Italy, circa the 1960s. Measurements: Height 15cm / ...
Ceramic
Sold
H 10.75 in W 5 in D 4.5 in
Italian Modern Gold and White Glazed Ceramic Pitcher by Aldo Londi for Bitossi
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Glamorous vintage ceramic pitcher/ewer with incised design and hand-painted gold accents designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi (ca. 1950s, ltaly). The etched sgraffito linear pattern re...
Ceramic
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Rare "Scavo" Ceramic Bird Pitcher
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This ceramic bird pitcher was designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, when he was directing the ceramic factory based in Montelupo Fiorentino. It is from the ...
Ceramic