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.

Creator: Bitossi

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

$1,200

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

18" Aldo Londi for Bitossi Italian Geometric Ceramic Vase, Raymor Label, 1960s

$1,950

H 18 in W 7 in D 7 in

18" Aldo Londi for Bitossi Italian Geometric Ceramic Vase, Raymor Label, 1960s

By Bitossi, Aldo Londi, Raymor

Located in Minneapolis, MN

This is an impressive large-scale Italian ceramic vase designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi and imported to the United States by Raymor, one of the foremost purveyors of Italian modern...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bitossi Urns

Materials

Ceramic

Bitossi by Aldo Londi Ceramic Vase, Sahara Décor for Cer Paoli, Italy, 1960s

$1,141

H 12.6 in Dm 7.88 in

Bitossi by Aldo Londi Ceramic Vase, Sahara Décor for Cer Paoli, Italy, 1960s

By Bitossi, Aldo Londi

Located in Valencia, VC

Rare Bitossi for Ceramiche Paoli Large Vase – Mid-Century Neolithic-Inspired Design A striking example of Aldo Londi’s masterful work, this large ceramic vase embodies the timeless influence of Neolithic utility pottery, reinterpreted through Bitossi’s signature craftsmanship. Featuring the iconic sgraffito hand decor, inspired by Etruscan ceramics, this piece is part of the Sahara line, distinguished by its earthy, textured aesthetic. Unlike the standard Bitossi Sahara...

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware, Majolica, Earthenware, Clay

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

$382Sale 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

By Aldo Londi, Bitossi

Located in Valencia, VC

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...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bitossi Urns

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Earthenware

Rare Aldo Londi for Bitossi Floor Vase, Italian Ceramic

$1,500

H 20 in Dm 7.5 in

Rare Aldo Londi for Bitossi Floor Vase, Italian Ceramic

By Aldo Londi, Bitossi

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

Exceptional and large floor vase designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi. Rare and largest size of this shape. Stunning color and form. Measures: 20” tall 7.5” wide.

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bitossi Urns

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of “Rimini Blue” Ceramic Planters by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy, 1960s

$588 / set

H 4.73 in Dm 5.91 in

Pair of “Rimini Blue” Ceramic Planters by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy, 1960s

By Aldo Londi, Bitossi

Located in Staffanstorp, SE

A vibrant and iconic pair of ceramic planters (cachepots) designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy. These hand-crafted pieces are part of the famous Rimini Blu collection – one of t...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bitossi Urns

Materials

Ceramic

1960s small Rimini Blue ceramic vase by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Italy

$494

H 4.73 in Dm 4.73 in

1960s small Rimini Blue ceramic vase by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Italy

By Bitossi, Aldo Londi

Located in München, BY

Decorative 1960s ceramic vase from the Rimini Blue collection. The design is by the renowned Italian artist and painter Aldo Londi. Manufactured by Bitossi. Made in Italy. Aldo Lond...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bitossi Urns

Materials

Ceramic

Aldo Londi Bitossi Lidded Vase, Moorish Stripes, Chartreuse, Signed, Italy 1960s

$3,600

H 16.75 in Dm 7.5 in

Aldo Londi Bitossi Lidded Vase, Moorish Stripes, Chartreuse, Signed, Italy 1960s

By Aldo Londi, Bitossi

Located in New York, NY

Aldo Londi for Bitossi lidded vase, Italy, 1960s. Tall lidded vase from Londi's Moorish Stripes series, decorated with alternating stripes glazed in cha...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bitossi Urns

Materials

Ceramic

Aldo Londi Bitossi Ceramic Gourd Vase, Geometric Stripes, Signed, Italy, 1960s

$2,500

H 12 in Dm 5 in

Aldo Londi Bitossi Ceramic Gourd Vase, Geometric Stripes, Signed, Italy, 1960s

By Aldo Londi, Bitossi

Located in New York, NY

Bitossi vase, ceramic, geometric, stripes, signed. Medium scale gourd form vase decorated with alternating vertical stripes, glazed in black, white, gray, yellow, and red. Signed on ...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bitossi Urns

Materials

Ceramic

Aldo Londi for Bitossi Cinese Vase, Ceramic, Red-Orange, Gold, Italy, 1960s

$1,800

H 8.25 in Dm 4.25 in

Aldo Londi for Bitossi Cinese Vase, Ceramic, Red-Orange, Gold, Italy, 1960s

By Bitossi, Rosenthal Netter, Aldo Londi

Located in New York, NY

Aldo Londi for Bitossi Cinese Vase, Ceramic, Red-Orange, Gold, Italy, 1960s. The cylindrical body is covered in a richly textured red-orange glaze, w...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bitossi Urns

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Vase with blue glazed Motif by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy, 1960s

$564

H 7.88 in Dm 4.34 in

Ceramic Vase with blue glazed Motif by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy, 1960s

By Bitossi, Aldo Londi

Located in Berlin, DE

Small cylindrical ceramic vase by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, featuring a textured brown surface with a sgraffito-decorated geometric band in the characteristic Rimini Blue glaze. Cont...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bitossi Urns

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Aldo Londi for Bitossi Majolica Cachepot Planter Bud Vase, Italy 1960s

$250

H 4 in Dm 4.88 in

Aldo Londi for Bitossi Majolica Cachepot Planter Bud Vase, Italy 1960s

By Aldo Londi, Bitossi

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Modernist majolica cachepot planter or bud vase features a streamlined sculptural shape with wide rim accentuating the top of the piece; minimal form of the piece is juxtaposed by th...

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Aldo Londi Bitossi Tapered Vase, Moorish Stripes, Orange, Italy, 1960s

$2,800

H 8.5 in Dm 5.75 in

Aldo Londi Bitossi Tapered Vase, Moorish Stripes, Orange, Italy, 1960s

By Bitossi, Aldo Londi

Located in New York, NY

Aldo Londi for Bitossi tapered vase, Italy, 1960s. Small to medium scale rounded and tapered vase from Londi's Moorish Stripes series, with chartreuse and orange glazed vertical stri...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bitossi Urns

Materials

Ceramic

Previously Available Items

Bitossi by Aldo Londi for Rosenthal Netter Pagoda Shaped Lidded Jar, Italy 1960s

Sold

H 8.67 in Dm 5.91 in

Bitossi by Aldo Londi for Rosenthal Netter Pagoda Shaped Lidded Jar, Italy 1960s

By Bitossi, Aldo Londi

Located in Valencia, VC

This vintage Bitossi by Aldo Londi cinese decor for Rosenthal Netter showcases the artistic craftsmanship that has come to define Italian ceramics fr...

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Gold and White Glazed Incised Ceramic Compote by Aldo Londi for Bitossi

Sold

H 7.75 in Dm 6 in

Italian Gold and White Glazed Incised Ceramic Compote by Aldo Londi for Bitossi

By Bitossi, Aldo Londi

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Glamorous vintage ceramic urn/compote/lidded vase with incised design and hand-painted gold accents designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi (ca. 1950s, ...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bitossi Urns

Materials

Ceramic

Aldo Londi Cinese Modern Lidded Vessel for Rosenthal Netter Bitossi Italy 1960s

Sold

H 9 in Dm 6 in

Aldo Londi Cinese Modern Lidded Vessel for Rosenthal Netter Bitossi Italy 1960s

By Bitossi, Aldo Londi, Rosenthal Netter

Located in Miami, FL

An Aldo Londi Cinese Series vessel retailed by Rosenthal Netter and produced by Italian manufacturer Bitossi. This Mid-Century Modern line of pottery vessels and figures, Cinese was produced with a textured Etruscan Salt Glaze which produced a rough Lava exterior. The blue-green colored glazed and gilt painted bands were used to simulate ancient Chinese bronze vessels...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bitossi Urns

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Lava Glaze Vessel by Aldo Londi for Bitossi

Sold

H 9.75 in Dm 6.75 in

Lava Glaze Vessel by Aldo Londi for Bitossi

By Aldo Londi, Bitossi

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Ceramic chalice vase by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy, circa 1960s. The vase features a wide curvaceous upper section that sits atop a thinner convex stem. It is covered in a muted t...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bitossi Urns

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Pottery, Stoneware

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

Sold

H 20 in Dm 8 in

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

By Bitossi

Located in Wilton, CT

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.

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bitossi Urns

Materials

Pottery

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

How do you identify a Bitossi?
1 Answer
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.
What is Bitossi's style?
1 Answer
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.
Is all Bitossi signed?
1 Answer
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.
Is Flavia the same as Bitossi?
1 Answer
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.
What is the history of Bitossi pottery?
1 Answer
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.