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Bitossi Urns

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.

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Creator: Bitossi
c.1960s RARE Bitossi Candle Holder by Aldo Londi (1911-2003), Italy
c.1960s RARE Bitossi Candle Holder by Aldo Londi (1911-2003), Italy

c.1960s RARE Bitossi Candle Holder by Aldo Londi (1911-2003), Italy

By Bitossi, Aldo Londi

Located in Skien, NO

RARE Italian Mid-Century Modern Design Studio Ceramic candle / tealight holder / candlestick from ca. 1950/1960s. Model No. / Production marks: 68/130 Italy Designer: Aldo Londi (I...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bitossi Urns

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

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Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Pitcher by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, 1960s
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Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Pitcher by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, 1960s

$380Sale Price|50% Off

H 8.27 in W 3.75 in D 3.75 in

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Pitcher by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, 1960s

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This gorgeous Italian vintage ceramic pitcher by Aldo Londi for Bitossi features a glazing central band of the Arabesque decor in two different shades of green and the house signature dark brown rough surface, so characteristic of the Bitossi production during the Mid-Century period. Handcrafted in Flavia Montelupo, Italy, circa the 1960s. Measurements: Height 21cm/ 8.25" Width 9.5cm/ 3.75" Depth 9.5cm/ 3.75" Weight 1.38kg The brick-shaped Bitossi by Aldo Londi pitchers...

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Beautiful 1960s Rimini Blu ceramic vase by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Italy
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By Aldo Londi, Bitossi

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...

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Bitossi Aldo Londi Rimini Blu Ceramic Vase, Italy, 1960s
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By Aldo Londi, Bitossi

Located in Barcelona, ES

Rare design by Aldo Londi for Bitossi. Rimini Blue ceramic footed vase with geometric motifs, Italy, 1960s This stunning glazed ceramic vase has a pattern with circles in dark blue with rhombus inside in shades of green / turquoise color accented by decorative flowers. Excellent vintage condition. This piece is perfect as a gift idea and it could placed alone or with other 'Rimini Blu'Bitossi pieces creating a set. Display it in a cabinet or on a console table, with flowers or just as a cool decorative vase. Measures: 22 cm height x 18 cm diameter (8,66 in height X 7,08 in diameter ) More Bitossi Aldo Londi pieces are avaliable at our 1stdibs marketplace. About Bitossi (Manufacturer) Like a Fellini movie, the ceramics of this famed Italian company embody a creative spectrum that ranges from the playful and earthy to the high-minded and provocative. Based in Florence, Bitossi Ceramiche draws on craft traditions that date back to the 1500s. These find expression in the artisanal 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. The company 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 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. Starting in the 1950s, some 20 years before he founded the Memphis Postmodern design...

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Huge Bitossi Pottery Londi Vase Italian RN Label Raymor Ceramic Umbrella Stand
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Huge Bitossi Pottery Londi Vase Italian RN Label Raymor Ceramic Umbrella Stand

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Huge Bitossi vase or stick stand in brilliant Bitossi blue with band of floral decoration, circa 1960's. 20" high, 8" diameter. Original Rosenthal-Netter label. Excellent condition.

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1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bitossi Urns

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Bitossi urns for sale on 1stDibs.

Bitossi urns 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 urns, although blue editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original urns by Bitossi were created in the mid-century modern style in italy during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider urns by Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Cenedese, and Capodimonte. Prices for Bitossi urns can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $500 and can go as high as $4,900, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,700.
Questions About Bitossi Urns
  • 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 ExpertApril 5, 2024
    Bitossi's style has changed over the course of its more than 100-year history. However, the brand is most famous for its mid-century modern pieces made during the 1950s and ’60s. Bitossi ceramics also reflect the hallmarks of Scandinavian modern style. Explore a wide range of Bitossi pottery from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 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 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.