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Bitossi Centerpieces

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
Aldo Londi Terracotta Ceramic Rimini Blue Vase for Bitossi, Italy, 1960s
Aldo Londi Terracotta Ceramic Rimini Blue Vase for Bitossi, Italy, 1960s

Aldo Londi Terracotta Ceramic Rimini Blue Vase for Bitossi, Italy, 1960s

By Aldo Londi, Bitossi

Located in Roma, IT

Stunning sphere-shaped terracotta ceramic Rimini blue vase for Bitossi. This magnificent set was designed by Aldo Londi in Italy during 1960s. This...

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Terracotta

Red Bolo Centerpiece by Karim Rashid
Red Bolo Centerpiece by Karim Rashid

Red Bolo Centerpiece by Karim Rashid

By Bitossi

Located in Milan, IT

A limited edition centerpiece featuring a unique infinity shape, executed in white clay with a glossy burgundy exterior and turquoise interior. The piece is finished with a distincti...

Category

2010s Italian Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

Bittosi Ceramic Revolver Centrepiece by Christoph Radl
Bittosi Ceramic Revolver Centrepiece by Christoph Radl

Bittosi Ceramic Revolver Centrepiece by Christoph Radl

By Bitossi

Located in New York, NY

Centrepiece, made by using the casting technique in white clay. Yellow crystalline over brown engobe. The engobe is a clay-based color that is spread over the still unfired ceramic s...

Category

2010s Italian Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

Large Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini Blue Glazed Ceramic Centerpiece Bowl, 1950s
Large Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini Blue Glazed Ceramic Centerpiece Bowl, 1950s

Large Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini Blue Glazed Ceramic Centerpiece Bowl, 1950s

By Bitossi, Aldo Londi

Located in Barcelona, ES

Italian midcentury Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini blue ceramic centerpiece bowl, Italy, 1950-1960s. Unusual large scale 14,17 in diameter Mid-Century Modern blue glazed ceramic (Rimini Bl...

Category

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

Materials

Pottery, Terracotta, Ceramic

Blue Centerpiece plate by Aldo Londi
Blue Centerpiece plate by Aldo Londi

Blue Centerpiece plate by Aldo Londi

By Bitossi

Located in Milan, IT

Round centerpiece plate from the Rimini Blue series featuring a pressed shape in white refractory clay. The design is enhanced by expertly engraved and stamped motifs beneath a gloss...

Category

2010s Italian Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

Large Green and Red Centrepiece by Ettore Sottsass
Large Green and Red Centrepiece by Ettore Sottsass

Large Green and Red Centrepiece by Ettore Sottsass

By Ettore Sottsass, Bitossi

Located in Milan, IT

This elegant centerpiece in white clay features a base in dark grey supporting a conic body made of concentric steps that are finished in red on the outside and in vivid matte green ...

Category

2010s Italian Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini Blu Glazed Ceramic Footed Centerpiece Bowl, 1950s
Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini Blu Glazed Ceramic Footed Centerpiece Bowl, 1950s

Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini Blu Glazed Ceramic Footed Centerpiece Bowl, 1950s

By Aldo Londi, Bitossi

Located in Barcelona, ES

Mid-Century Modern blue glazed ceramic (Rimini Blu) round footed bowl or centerpiece, Italy, 1950s-1960s. Designed by Aldo Londi and manufactured by Bitossi. Handcrafted in Italy wit...

Category

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

Materials

Pottery, Terracotta, Ceramic

Midcentury Aldo Londi Blue Ceramic Italian Centerpiece for Bitossi, 1960s
Midcentury Aldo Londi Blue Ceramic Italian Centerpiece for Bitossi, 1960s

Midcentury Aldo Londi Blue Ceramic Italian Centerpiece for Bitossi, 1960s

By Bitossi, Aldo Londi

Located in Roma, IT

Midcentury round blue and brown ceramic centrepiece. Aldo Londi designed this fantastic piece in Italy during the 1960s for Bitossi. This fantastic item is magnificent because the...

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Decorative Centerpiece Bowl by Aldo Londi
Decorative Centerpiece Bowl by Aldo Londi

Decorative Centerpiece Bowl by Aldo Londi

By Bitossi

Located in Milan, IT

Limited edition ceramic bowl featuring a turned red clay form with a geometric section decoration showcasing triangular elements in shades of gray, bluette, and celeste glaze. This m...

Category

2010s Italian Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

Bittosi Ceramic Revolver Vase by Christoph Radl
Bittosi Ceramic Revolver Vase by Christoph Radl

Bittosi Ceramic Revolver Vase by Christoph Radl

By Bitossi

Located in New York, NY

The collection features a sequence of spiral shapes evolving into various dimensions, presented in warm colors such as yellow and orange, interspersed with thin brown bands that emph...

Category

2010s Italian Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

Bitossi Ceramiche Alzata Centerpiece, Blue by Ettore Sottsass
Bitossi Ceramiche Alzata Centerpiece, Blue by Ettore Sottsass

Bitossi Ceramiche Alzata Centerpiece, Blue by Ettore Sottsass

By Bitossi, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Toronto, ON

Designed by Ettore Sottsass for Bitossi in 1959, this hand-turned white clay centrepiece balances simplicity and contrast. Its two-tone matte enamel—deep black above and rich blue be...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

Bolo Green Centerpiece by Karim Rashid
Bolo Green Centerpiece by Karim Rashid

Bolo Green Centerpiece by Karim Rashid

By Bitossi

Located in Milan, IT

Bolo green centerpiece by karim rashid features a bold, sculptural form with a bright glossy green finish and a distinctive central cross motif in deep red, outlined in black. Crafte...

Category

2010s Italian Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

Light Blue Bolo Centerpiece by Bethan Laura Wood
Light Blue Bolo Centerpiece by Bethan Laura Wood

Light Blue Bolo Centerpiece by Bethan Laura Wood

By Bitossi

Located in Milan, IT

This medium-sized centerpiece from the Guadalupe collection features a striking light blue craquelé glaze with a glossy finish. The circular form is detailed with subtle, abstract li...

Category

2010s Italian Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

Clear Purple Decorative Plate by Aldo Londi
Clear Purple Decorative Plate by Aldo Londi

Clear Purple Decorative Plate by Aldo Londi

By Bitossi

Located in Milan, IT

This decorative plate features a sculptural design with dynamic ridges and a crystalline violet translucent finish. crafted using white clay with fine nylon thread incision technique...

Category

2010s Italian Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Large Centerpiece Bowl, Rimini Blue Series, 1970s
Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Large Centerpiece Bowl, Rimini Blue Series, 1970s

Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Large Centerpiece Bowl, Rimini Blue Series, 1970s

By Bitossi, Aldo Londi

Located in Brescia, Brescia

A striking and uncommon centerpiece bowl designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi in the 1970s, showcasing the iconic Rimini Blue workmanship in an unusual, wide, sculptural form. Measurin...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

Triangular Bolo Centerpiece by Aldo Londi
Triangular Bolo Centerpiece by Aldo Londi

Triangular Bolo Centerpiece by Aldo Londi

By Bitossi

Located in Milan, IT

This triangular centerpiece features a press-molded terra cotta form with a finely speckled gray base. The surface is decorated with an array of small, brush-painted white motifs acc...

Category

2010s Italian Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

Black and White Bolo Centerpiece by Aldo Londi
Black and White Bolo Centerpiece by Aldo Londi

Black and White Bolo Centerpiece by Aldo Londi

By Bitossi

Located in Milan, IT

Bolo centerpiece featuring a turned form crafted from refractory red clay. The design showcases an alternating pattern of black and white semi-gloss enamel stripes achieved through a...

Category

2010s Italian Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

White Bolo Centerpiece by Karim Rashid
White Bolo Centerpiece by Karim Rashid

White Bolo Centerpiece by Karim Rashid

By Bitossi

Located in Milan, IT

Bolo centerpiece by Karim Rashid features a bright white glossy finish with subtle gray accents and a distinctive central decoration in green, pink, and burgundy hues. Executed using...

Category

2010s Italian Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

Bitossi Italy Ceramic and Glass Mosaic Centerpiece Bowl Catchall, circa 1960
Bitossi Italy Ceramic and Glass Mosaic Centerpiece Bowl Catchall, circa 1960

Bitossi Italy Ceramic and Glass Mosaic Centerpiece Bowl Catchall, circa 1960

By Raymor, Aldo Londi, Bitossi

Located in Atlanta, GA

Rare Aldo Londi Bitossi Ceramic Centerpiece – Mid-Century Italian Masterpiece This exceptional Bitossi ceramic centerpiece—also known as a vide poche—is a rare and highly collectible...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware, Faience, Glass

Tagliata Series Yellow Bolo Decorative Centerpiece by Aldo Londi
Tagliata Series Yellow Bolo Decorative Centerpiece by Aldo Londi

Tagliata Series Yellow Bolo Decorative Centerpiece by Aldo Londi

By Bitossi

Located in Milan, IT

A medium-sized round decorative plate featuring a symmetrical cut on the upper part. Crafted on a wheel in terra rossa with a two-tone glaze, this piece combines a bright yellow glos...

Category

2010s Italian Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

Bitossi Ceramiche Alzata Centerpiece, Black and White Stripes by Ettore Sottsass
Bitossi Ceramiche Alzata Centerpiece, Black and White Stripes by Ettore Sottsass

Bitossi Ceramiche Alzata Centerpiece, Black and White Stripes by Ettore Sottsass

By Ettore Sottsass, Bitossi

Located in Toronto, ON

Designed by Ettore Sottsass for Bitossi in 1958, this pedestal bowl from his black-and-white collection pairs clean geometry with graphic contrast, its striped interior and bold base...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

Pink Bolo Centerpiece by Karim Rashid
Pink Bolo Centerpiece by Karim Rashid

Pink Bolo Centerpiece by Karim Rashid

By Bitossi

Located in Milan, IT

Bolo centerpiece from the Simoblik collection by Karim Rashid features a bold, sculptural design with a glossy pink and blue enamel finish and a distinctive circular pattern at its c...

Category

2010s Italian Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

Tall White and Black Centerpiece by Ettore Sottsass
Tall White and Black Centerpiece by Ettore Sottsass

Tall White and Black Centerpiece by Ettore Sottsass

By Ettore Sottsass, Bitossi

Located in Milan, IT

A striking piece of contemporary decor, this centerpiece in ceramic is part of an exclusive collection designed by the Italian architect Ettore Sottsass for Bitossi. The large bowl o...

Category

2010s Italian Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

Small Black and White Centerpiece by Ettore Sottsass
Small Black and White Centerpiece by Ettore Sottsass

Small Black and White Centerpiece by Ettore Sottsass

By Bitossi, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Milan, IT

This striking centerpiece in white clay has an external finish in black on the base and white on the body, with an internal decoration of fine, parallel black lines over the white fi...

Category

2010s Italian Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

Fan-14 Gray Bowl by Formafantasma

Fan-14 Gray Bowl by Formafantasma

By Bitossi, Formafantasma

Located in Milan, IT

Defined by unadorned sophistication, this exquisite ceramic bowl is brimming with contemporary allure delving into the most authentic nature of forms and materials. The cylindrical s...

Category

2010s Italian Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

Tribe Brown and Yellow Low Vase by Arik Levy
Tribe Brown and Yellow Low Vase by Arik Levy

Tribe Brown and Yellow Low Vase by Arik Levy

By Arik Levy, Bitossi

Located in Milan, IT

Elegant and expressive, this stylized ceramic bowl-shaped vase flaunts a two-tone finish enriching its design with earthy tones, warm brown on the outside and yellow inside, the latter visible through the wide top opening. Perfect in a modern, neutral-toned interior where it will add a subtle pop of color, this low-profiled vase...

Category

2010s Italian Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

Fan-10 White Bowl by Formafantasma

Fan-10 White Bowl by Formafantasma

By Bitossi, Formafantasma

Located in Milan, IT

Matching contemporary taste for unadorned elegance, this cylindrical bowl by duo Formafantasma in matte white ceramic was showcased at the 2019 Milan Design...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

Bitossi Ceramic and Mosaic Bowl Vide Poche Centerpiece, circa 1960
Bitossi Ceramic and Mosaic Bowl Vide Poche Centerpiece, circa 1960

Bitossi Ceramic and Mosaic Bowl Vide Poche Centerpiece, circa 1960

By Raymor, Aldo Londi, Bitossi

Located in Atlanta, GA

Designed by the legendary Aldo Londi, this stunning ceramic centerpiece, also known as a cigar ashtray, is a rare masterpiece of Italian craftsmanship. Meticulously crafted by Bitoss...

Category

1960s Italian Modern Vintage Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware, Faience, Glass

Aldo Londi Rimini Blue Decorative Ceramic Vase for Bitossi, Italy, 1960s
Aldo Londi Rimini Blue Decorative Ceramic Vase for Bitossi, Italy, 1960s

Aldo Londi Rimini Blue Decorative Ceramic Vase for Bitossi, Italy, 1960s

By Bitossi, Aldo Londi

Located in Roma, IT

Stunning mid-century decorative vase in turquoise glazed ceramic designed by Aldo Londi and produced by Bitossi in Italy during the early 1960s. In excellent vintage condition, with...

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Bittosi Ceramic Guadalupe Centrepiece by Bethan Laura Wood
Bittosi Ceramic Guadalupe Centrepiece by Bethan Laura Wood

Bittosi Ceramic Guadalupe Centrepiece by Bethan Laura Wood

By Bitossi

Located in New York, NY

Bowl made by slip casting in white clay. Shiny green glaze. All Bitossi ceramics are entirely handmade by our artisans at every stage of the production process. The iconic styles an...

Category

2010s Italian Bitossi Centerpieces

Materials

Ceramic

Bitossi centerpieces for sale on 1stDibs.

Bitossi centerpieces 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 centerpieces, although blue editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 8 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 7 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original centerpieces 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 centerpieces by Ercole Barovier, Alfredo Barbini, and Venini. Prices for Bitossi centerpieces can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $574 and can go as high as $1,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $740.
Questions About Bitossi Centerpieces
  • 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 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 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
    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.