Ashtray Ceramic by Aldo Londi for Ceramiche Bitossi Montelupo, 70s.

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Ashtray Ceramic by Aldo Londi for Ceramiche Bitossi Montelupo, 70s.

About the Item

Ceramic ashtray by Aldo Londi for Ceramiche Bitossi Montelupo, 70s. Glazed ceramic, matte raw clay. Each work created by Bitossi follows a very complex working process, both in the formal and decorative part. The realization of a ceramic work can be obtained with different lands and methods, each element is made within the manufacture by specialized personnel. The raw materials used in the production of Bitossi Ceramiche are (white or red earth, glazes, crystalline and melting) . The form, according to the needs of the project, can be performed in four different modes: Lathe moulding: used for the creation of circular shapes, the operator (turning) moulds the material/works entirely by hand. Casting moulding: carried out with the use of plaster moulds in which white clay in the liquid state is poured inside. Moulding: done with the aid of plaster forms. The process is carried out by manual pressure of the clay on the inner surface of the mould, which has a negative impression. Modine moulding: method used for large objects. We use plaster moulds (male and female) mounted on a manual or mechanical press, where the clay slab is pressed in a semi-solid state. Drying follows the forming process, through the withdrawal of moisture in a dry environment. When the earth has reached the right hardness, the work is completed with the finishing of the moulding and/or the plastic decoration through the scratching, the engraving, the stamping etc. Cooking can vary from one to three burners: The first firing, called "biscuiting", transforms the object from clay to terracotta. The second firing occurs after coating and/or painting decoration The third firing is used in the presence of different enamels and/or precious metals such as gold, platinum, silver and copper. At the end of the production process, the product follows a careful quality control for the final certification. Each work is an icon of Made in Italy style and creativity.

Creator:
Aldo Londi (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 1.78 in (4.5 cm)Diameter: 10.63 in (27 cm)
Style:
Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Ceramic,Pottery,Enameled,Hand-Painted
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
1970-1979
Date of Manufacture:
1970
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Arezzo, IT
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU7267236139382

Shop All Aldo Londi

Aldo Londi

Master Italian ceramist Aldo Londi created a range of decorative objects in the latter half of the 20th century for the manufacturer Bitossi. In addition to the small-scale animal sculptures for which he is best known, Londi designed a variety of ceramics for the famed company that includes vases, bowls and desk accessories. Collectors know that vintage Aldo Londi pottery is marked by deep attention to detail and an integration of rich, alluring hues typically associated with the Mediterranean.

Londi was born in Montelupo Fiorentino, just outside of Florence, an area that has been known for its pottery since the Renaissance. Londi showed an early interest in the craft, apprenticing at the Fratelli Fanciullacci ceramic workshop when he was only 11 years old. He worked at the company until he left to fight in World War II. After returning to Montelupo Fiorentino in 1946, Londi became the creative director at Bitossi — a position he held for more than 50 years.

Londi's fresh and unique style breathed new life into Bitossi. He prioritized the production of high-quality and handmade decorative objects and created many of Bitossi's pottery lines himself. The most famous of Londi's Bitossi collections is the Rimini Blu line of animals and vases, which debuted in 1955. The collection is characterized by geometric and whimsical patterns and is recognizable for its marvelous blue color.

Londi's fame and popularity extended outside of Italy with the help of Raymor. The American import and distribution company introduced many esteemed Italian manufacturers such as Bitossi to boutiques and department stores in the United States. After Raymor founder Irving Richards hired Ettore Sottsass to design ceramics, Richards connected his new recruit to Londi. Decades before he founded a legendary postmodern design collective in Milan called the Memphis Group, Sottsass used the Bitossi kilns to create timeless works that manifest both primitive forms and modern geometries.

In 2021, Bitossi opened the Bitossi Archive Museum at its Montelupo Fiorentino headquarters. Many of the works designed by the company's most esteemed contributor and artistic director, Aldo Londi, are proudly displayed.

On 1stDibs, find vintage Aldo Londi serveware, lighting, decorative objects and more.