Bitossi Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

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.

Bitossi serveware, ceramics, silver and glass for sale on 1stDibs.

Bitossi serveware, ceramics, silver and glass 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 serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, although blue editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 130 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 14 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original serveware, ceramics, silver and glass 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 serveware, ceramics, silver and glass by Aldo Londi, Fratelli Toso, and Flavio Poli. Prices for Bitossi serveware, ceramics, silver and glass can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $225 and can go as high as $8,010, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $925.

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Questions About Bitossi Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

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.
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.
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.