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Bitossi

Italian

Like a Fellini movie, the ceramics of the famed Italian company Bitossi Ceramiche embody a creative spectrum that ranges from the playful and earthy to the high-minded and provocative. Based in Florence, Bitossi draws on craft traditions that date back to the 1500s. These find expression in Bitossi pottery that includes artisanal vintage vases and animal figures by the firm’s longtime art director Aldo Londi, as well as the colorful, totemic vessels designed by the high priest of postmodernism, Ettore Sottsass.

Bitossi was incorporated by Guido Bitossi in 1921, though the family began making art pottery in the mid-19th century. In the 1930s, Londi came aboard, bringing with him a mindset that respected time-honored craft, yet looked also to the future. On the one hand, Londi’s perspective fostered the making of Bitossi’s popular whimsical cats, owls, horses and other animal figures, hand-shaped and -carved and finished in a rich azure glaze known as “Rimini Blue.”

But with his other hand, Londi reached out to thoughtful, experimental designers such as Sottsass. After hiring Sottsass to design ceramics for his New York imports company, Raymor, American entrepreneur Irving Richards connected the Milanese design polymath to Londi, who introduced Sottsass to ceramics in the 1950s.

During that decade, some 20 years before he founded the Memphis postmodern design collective in Milan, Sottsass used the Bitossi kilns to create timeless works that manifest both primitive forms and modern geometries. In later decades, Bitossi would welcome new generations of designers, which have included such names as Ginevra Bocini and Karim Rashid.

While always looking forward, Bitossi is firm in their belief that mastery of craft is the first step towards beautiful design. As you will see from the works offered on these pages, that is a winning philosophy.

Find a collection of vintage Bitossi decorative objects, lighting and serveware on 1stDibs.

Red Vase by Dimorestudio
By Bitossi, DIMORESTUDIO
Located in Milan, IT
This striking vase has a simple, rectangular shape, highlighted with a brass strip at the bottom and two different solid finishes, one large strip in pink and a vivid red top. The pi...
Category

2010s Italian Bitossi

Materials

Brass

Red Vase by Dimorestudio
Red Vase by Dimorestudio
H 14.97 in W 8.27 in D 3.55 in
Turquoise and Brass Vase by Dimorestudio
By Bitossi, DIMORESTUDIO
Located in Milan, IT
This geometric vase in white clay has a simple, rectangular shape with a striking turquoise finish on the outside and a vivid green finish on the inside. It is highlighted on one of ...
Category

2010s Italian Bitossi

Materials

Brass

Turquoise and Brass Vase by Dimorestudio
Turquoise and Brass Vase by Dimorestudio
H 6.5 in W 16.54 in D 3.55 in
Bitossi by Aldo Londi, Italy, circa 1970
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Pymble, NSW
An Aldo Londi designed owl in sky blue with exposed clay body to the base. Dome shaped top. Has its paper 'Made in Italy' label to the base.
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bitossi

Materials

Pottery

1980s Bitossi White Ceramic Set with Beautiful Texture, Pristine Condition
By Bitossi
Located in Brescia , Brescia
Renowned for their exceptional quality and timeless design, these pieces feature a stunning texture and are presented in immaculate condition, offering a touch of sophistication to a...
Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bitossi

Materials

Ceramic

Large Ceramic Pair Rimini Blue Table Lamps by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Fantastic and large pair of Italian lamps by the famed ceramicist Aldo Londi. Beautiful dark Rimini Blue glaze in the Sgraffito style. Curbside to NYC/Philly $300
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bitossi

Materials

Brass

Fish Plate by Aldo Londi
By Bitossi
Located in Milan, IT
This striking decorative plate in white clay was designed by Aldo Londi in 1959 and is part of a limited edition of 199 pieces. The decorations on the top of the plate are a multitud...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Bitossi

Materials

Ceramic

Fish Plate by Aldo Londi
Fish Plate by Aldo Londi
H 5.91 in W 24.02 in D 1.19 in
Pair of Italian Pottery Lamps by Aldo Londi for Bitossi
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi, Marcello Fantoni, Raymor, Fantoni
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Italian pottery lamps by Aldo Londi for Bitossi. Stunning and unusual pair of Italian pottery lamps by Aldo Londi for Bitossi. These masterfully created glazed pottery lamps...
Category

1950s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Bitossi

Materials

Pottery

Aldo Londi for Bitossi Ceramic Vessel with Walnut Lid, 1950s
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Early (pre 1956) mid-century modern ceramic vessel with walnut lid designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi. Signed to the underside.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bitossi

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Browse all Furniture from Bitossi
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Creators Similar to Bitossi

Bitossi furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Bitossi furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of ceramic and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Bitossi furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 604 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 32 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Bitossi were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Aldo Londi, Vico Magistretti, and Carlo Nason. Prices for Bitossi furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $166 and can go as high as $14,850, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,541.
Questions About Bitossi
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, not all Bitossi is signed. A small number bear no marks at all. Most have either a hand-applied signature or a stamp that says "Italy" or "Made in Italy." You'll find a collection of expertly vetted Bitossi decorative objects and lighting on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    To identify a Bitossi, look for the maker's markings on the bottom and other inconspicuous areas. Beginning in the 1950s, Bitossi typically marked its pottery with a handwritten style number and the words "Made in Italy" or "Italy." After the 1970s, the Italian company started to imprint its name on its pieces. However, some Bitossi pottery is unmarked. As a result, you may want to consult a certified appraiser or a knowledgeable dealer for assistance with identification. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Bitossi pottery.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    No, Flavia and Bitossi are not exactly the same. The company Gruppo Colorobbia produces both Flavia and Bitossi pottery. Beginning in 1976, the Flavia collection featured more decorative art pieces than the Bitossi line. In 1994, Gruppo Colorobbia began calling everything Bitossi. However, you can find some select pottery that bears both the Flavia and Bitossi names. Explore a wide range of Bitossi pieces on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    The history of Bitossi pottery began in 1926, when Guido Bitossi founded his shop in Montelupo Fiorentino, near Florence, Italy. He descended from a long line of artisans, including painters, sculptors and potters. His son Londi became the creative director of Bitossi in 1946 and was responsible for introducing the colorful glazes that Bitossi has become famous for during his 50-year tenure. During the 1950s, Ettore Sottsass began to design unique pieces for Bitossi, and his geometric bowls and vases redefined the art form of pottery and set major trends during the mid-century period. After Londi Bitossi stepped down, a new generation of the family took over, with Guido's granddaughter Cinzia Bitossi serving as artistic director and his great-granddaughter Ginevra Bocin acting as CEO. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Bitossi pottery.

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