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.
Pair of "Rimini Blue" Ceramic Square Ashtrays, by Bitossi, Italy, 1960s
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and very rare pair of square-shaped ceramic ashtrays in the iconic glazed “Rimini Blu” color. These stylish pieces were produced by Bitossi in Italy during the 1960s. The ...
Pottery, Ceramic
Aldo Londi Bitossi Ceramic Ashtray, Blue & Gold, Safety Pin, 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in New York, NY
Aldo Londi Bitossi Ceramic Ashtray, Blue & Gold, Safety Pin, 1960s. Small to medium scale deep ashtray with three cigarette rests. Decorated with a pattern of gold glazed safety ...
Ceramic
Bitossi Aldo Londi Rimini Blue Ceramic Set of Vase, Ashtray and Candleholder
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Barcelona, ES
A beautiful handmade Rimini blue glazed ceramic set of three pieces. Designed by Aldo Londi and manufactured by Bitossi, Italy, 1960s. The set is comprised by a round ashtray, a bott...
Ceramic, Pottery, Terracotta
Ashtray or Vide-Poche in Rimini Blue Ceramic, Bitossi by Aldo Londi, Italy 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous ceramic ashtray or vide-poche in a stunning blue glazed (Rimini Blu) color. This vibrant ceramic item was designed by Aldo Londi and hand-craf...
Pottery, Ceramic
Aldo Londi Bitossi Very Large Round Rimini Blue Glazed Midcentury Ashtray, 1950s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful, decorative midcentury Rimini blue glazed ashtray. Very large, has a diameter of 9 1/2 inches, Designed by Aldo Londi, manufactured by Bitossi Ceramiche / Italy in the 19...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Terracotta
Midcentury Aldo Londi Blue Glazed "Rimini" Ceramic Ashtray, Bitossi Italy, 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful and large round midcentury ashtray in blue glazed ceramic (Rimini Blu). This amazing piece was designed by Aldo Londi and produced by Bitossi in Italy during 1960s. Thi...
Pottery, Ceramic
Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini Blu Ceramic Square Ashtray, Italy 1950s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Barcelona, ES
Amazing blue glazed (Rimini Blu) ceramic ashtray design by Aldo Londi and manufactured by Bitossi. Handcrafted in Italy with hand carved geometric design and in a glazed vibrant turq...
Ceramic, Pottery, Terracotta
Vintage Italian Rimini Blu Pottery Ashtray by Aldo Londi for Bitossi
By Aldo Londi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Italian Rimini Blu Pottery Ashtray by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Mate...
Ceramic
"Blue Rimini" Ceramic Ashtray by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy, 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and extremely rare rectangular ceramic ashtray in the iconic glazed “Rimini Blu” color. This stylish piece was designed by Aldo Londi and produced by Bitossi in Italy durin...
Ceramic, Pottery
1960s Rimini Blu italian ceramic table ashtray by Aldo Londi for Bitossi
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in München, DE
A beautiful, decorative round ceramic ashtray from the 1960s, part of the Rimini Blu collection. The design is by the renowned Italian artist and painter Aldo Londi. Manufactured by ...
Ceramic
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Ceramics Ashtray Vide Poche Rimini Blue
By Aldo Londi
Located in Poperinge, BE
Beautiful large vintage ashtray, vide poche made of ceramic with blue crackle glaze, designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, circa 1960s, marked Made in Italy, 102/20 at the bottom. Sup...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Midcentury Pottery Ashtray by Aldo Londi Ceramic for Bitossi
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Vienna, AT
Round ceramic ashtray painted in geometric Piet Mondrian patterns. Designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi in the 1950s.
Ceramic
MCM Bitossi Yellow Owl Vase & Candle Holder by Aldo Londi for Rosenthal Netter
By Aldo Londi, Rosenthal Netter, Bitossi
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare pair of MCM Bitossi stoneware yellow owls by Aldo Londi for Rosenthal Netter, circa 1960s. The first hand thrown piece is a vase which measures 4"D x 10"H and the second piece i...
Stoneware
Aldo Londi Bitossi Yellow Onion Ashtray Italy Pottery Dish Rosanthal Netter
By Rosenthal Netter, Aldo Londi
Located in Lake Worth, FL
The Aldo Londi Bitossi Yellow Onion Ashtray is a beautifully crafted piece of Italian pottery produced in Italy by Rosenthal Netter. This original ashtray features a vibrant yellow c...
Pottery
"Rimini" ceramic ashtray by Aldo Londi, Bitossi, 1960s
By Aldo Londi
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
"Rimini" ceramic ashtray by Aldo Londi, Bitossi, Made in Italy, 1960s. Pretty round ashtray/emptying tray from the 1960s made of blue "Rimini" glazed ceramic. This piece was designe...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Italian Ashtray or Catchall Dish by Aldo Londi for Bitossi c.1950
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An original Aldo Lodi for Bitossi glazed ceramic ashtray or catchall dish. Imprinted with "B" indicating an earlier example. CREATOR Aldo Lodi for Bitossi, Italy. D...
Ceramic
Aldo Londi Bitossi Ceramiche Spring Green and Red Floral Ceramic Ashtray
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Aldo Londi Bitossi handcrafted glazed Chartreuse ashtray with Red floral. Featuring a round lipped Ashtray with hand outlined Red Flower with Turquoise and Yellow accent, sprayed red...
Ceramic
Vintage Blue Ceramic Ashtray Handcrafted in Italy by Aldo Londi 1950
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Blue Ceramic Ashtray Handcrafted in Italy by Aldo Londi 1950 Round "Rimini Blu" enameled terra cotta cigar ashtray by Aldo Londi for Bitossi. Handcrafted in Italy with hand c...
Stoneware
Vintage Aldo Londi Bitossi Ceramic Ashtray, Lighter and Cigarette Holder Italy
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi, Rosenthal
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful trio set by Bitossi. This ceramic set is glamorous, chic and so mid-century. The trio includes a beautiful ashtray, a tall table lighter and a cigarette holder. Together th...
Ceramic
Rimini Blu Catchall Ashtray by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Made in Italy
By Raymor, Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Miami, FL
Italian handmade ceramic vide-poche or catchall tray in the vibrant signature blue of Aldo Londi's iconic art pottery collection Rimini Blu, orig...
Ceramic
Blue Ceramic Ashtray by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Handcrafted in Italy
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Blue Ceramic Ashtray by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Handcrafted in Italy "Rimini Blu" enameled terra cotta turquoise blue ashtray by Aldo Londi for Bitossi. Handcrafted in Italy w...
Stoneware
Bitossi Aldo Londi Rimini Blue Ceramic XL Round Centerpiece Bowl Ashtray
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Barcelona, ES
Blue glazed (Rimini Blu) ceramic large ashtray designed by Aldo Londi and manufactured by Bitossi. Italy, 1950-1960s. It was handcrafted in Italy with hand carved geometric design ...
Pottery, Terracotta, Ceramic
Aldo Londi Rimini Blu Ashtray by Bitossi, Mid-Century Modern Italy
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi, Raymor
Located in Miami, FL
A vintage Italian Mid-Century Modern handmade ceramic footed cigar ash receiver in the vibrant signature blue of Aldo Londi's iconic art pottery collection Rimini Blu, designed in 19...
Ceramic
Midcentury "Blue Rimini" Ceramic Ashtray by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy, 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous and very rare large Mid-Century ashtray in Rimini Blu ceramic. This stylish piece was designed by Aldo Londi and produced by Bitossi in Italy during the 1960s. In amazing c...
Ceramic, Pottery
Aldo Londi Bitossi Ashtray, Ceramic, Blue Rimini, Italy, 1960s
By Aldo Londi
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous Bitossi ashtray/catchall by Aldo Londi, it's part of "Blue Rimini" Collection, and is in very good condition. Handmade, made in Italy Dimensions: 5,90" x 4,52" x 1,57"...
Ceramic
Bitossi Aldo Londi Rimini Blue Glazed Ceramic Large Square Ashtray
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Barcelona, ES
Signed Large Rimini blue Mid-Century Modern ashtray. It has 3 cigar or cigarette holders and it is made in blue glazed terracotta ceramic, designed by Aldo Londi and manufactured by ...
Pottery, Terracotta, Ceramic
Bitossi Italy for Raymor Ceramic and Glass Mosaic Ashtray, Catchall Mid Century
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Outstanding 1960s Aldo Londi for Bitossi ceramic catchall or cigar ashtray. Imported and distributed in the United States by Raymor of New York. Featuring a large-scale low centerpiece bowl...
Ceramic, Art Glass
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Remini Blue Ceramic Ashtray Handcrafted in Italy
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Remini Blue Ceramic Ashtray Handcrafted in Italy "Rimini Blu" enameled terra cotta turquoise blue ashtray by Aldo Londi for Bitossi. Designed in a great glazed...
Stoneware
Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini Blue Glazed Ceramic Large Square Ashtray
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Barcelona, ES
Bitossi Aldo Londi Rimini Blu Ceramic Ashtray Signed Large Rimini blue Mid-Century Modern ashtray. It has 3 cigar or cigarette holders and it is made in blue glazed terracotta ceram...
Ceramic, Pottery, Terracotta
Bitossi Aldo Londi Rimini Blue Glazed Ceramic Square Ashtray, Italy 1960s
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Barcelona, ES
Small 'Rimini blu', blue glazed terracotta ceramic squared ashtray. Design by Aldo Londi and manufactured by Bitossi. Italy, 1950s-1960s. Handcrafted in Italy with hand carved geomet...
Pottery, Terracotta, Ceramic
Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini Blue Glazed Ceramic Rectangular Ashtray Empy Pocket
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Barcelona, ES
Italian Midcentury Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini blue glazed ceramic rectanular ashtray or bowl, Italy, 1950-1960s. Beautiful blue glazed (...
Pottery, Terracotta, Ceramic
Aldo Londi Bitossi Ashtray for Rosenthal Netter: Marocco
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Manufacturer: Aldo Londi Importer: Rosenthal Netter Period or model: Mid-Century Modern. Specs: Pottery Condition: This Aldo Londi Bitossi Ashtray for Rosenthal Netter Mar...
Pottery
Vintage Italian Bitossi Studio Pottery Ashtray
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in San Diego, CA
Ashtray produced in the 1960s by Bitossi, based on a design by Aldo Londi. This piece is a rare abstract fat lava glaze textured piece. A truly unique piece that will add style to yo...
Ceramic
Aldo Londi Bitossi Ceramic Ashtray
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aldo Londi Bitossi ceramic ashtray Italy, circa 1960’s. Manufactured by Bitossi. Organic composition and feel. Marked identification.
Ceramic
Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Ashtray in Ceramic, 1970s
By Aldo Londi
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Aldo Londi, attributed to. Bitossi, edited by. Ashtray, or storage compartment, in ceramic in blue color, adorned with abstract motifs and friezes. Italian work realized in ...
Ceramic