Epic! Rimini Blue Mid Century Modern Italian Pottery Lamp Bitossi 50s Aldo Londi
About the Item
- Creator:Aldo Londi (Artist),Bitossi (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 37 in (93.98 cm)Width: 18 in (45.72 cm)Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)
- Power Source:Plug-in
- Voltage:110-150v
- Lampshade:Included
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1953
- Condition:Replacements made: New brilliant white linen shade. Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Peoria, AZ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU9080237820652
Bitossi
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 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.
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 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.
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Peoria, AZ
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Monumental 33" Raymor Italian Pottery Table Lamp! 1950s Aldo LondiBy Raymor, Aldo LondiLocated in Peoria, AZMagnificent! Stunning Orange Sculptured Italian Pottery Table Lamp For Raymor Attributed to Aldo Londi This sensational lamp is a testimony to the Italian pottery house of the mid...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsMetal
- Rare Bitossi Pottery Lamp for Wilmar. Mid Century Modern Italian Fine Decor 1950By BitossiLocated in Peoria, AZMARVELOUS! BITOSSI TEAK & POTTERY SCULPTURAL LAMP FOR WILMAR LAMP CO. GORGEOUS MODERNISM! DIMENSIONS: Approximately 27" x 18" This beautiful lamp makes clear why Italian lamp...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsPottery, Wood
- Pair! Mid Century Modern Italian Pottery Lamps After Guido Gambone Blue GreenBy Guido GamboneLocated in Peoria, AZEXQUISITE PAIR! ITALIAN MID CENTURY POTTERY LAMPS "PRIMITIVE-MODERN" MOTIF! AFTER GUIDO GAMBONE SIMPLY SUPERB DESIGN! CIRCA 1954 DIMENSIONS: 30" x 18" This rare pair of mid century lamps are simply sensational! Italian pottery lamps are always striking and handsome! It is pure joy just to sit and stare at these beautiful blue-green lamps with their primitive motif glyphs! They look spectacular lit or unlit and the rich pattern and unique blue green pottery...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsMarble, Metal
- Mid Century Modern Aluminum Saucer Reflector Lamp Russel Wright 50s Art DecoBy Russel WrightLocated in Peoria, AZRARE & MARVELOUS! EARLY MID CENTURY/ DECO STYLE! ALUMINUM REFLECTOR SHADE AND CONE DESK/TABLE LAMP! In the Manner of Russel Wright (APPROX. 18" TALL By 16" WIDE ) Here is...Category
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Table Lamps
MaterialsMetal, Aluminum
- Mid Century Modern Swing Arm Reflector Table Desk Lamp. Saucer Rare 50s LightingBy M.G. WheelerLocated in Peoria, AZAbsolutely Gorgeous! Mid Century Articulating Swing Arm Reflecting Saucer Desk/Table Lamp Red & Cream Enamel Great vintage condition! 16" Tall by 20" Deep Here is a wonderful mid century modern...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsMetal, Enamel
- Mid Century Modern Live Edge Freeform Maple Burl Wood Table Lamp! Nakashima 50sBy George NakashimaLocated in Peoria, AZExceptional! MAPLE BURL FREE FORM EDGE SLAB MID CENTURY MODERN TRIPOD TABLE LAMP! Magnificent Wood and Finish! After George Nakashima Dimensions: 16" WIDE x 27" TALL Here is a fabulous mid century live edge, free form maple wood lamp in the manner of George Nakashima! Spectacular finish! The wood is simply nature's grace personified. With the aid of man it has been transformed into a wonderful table lamp that is a visual and textural delight! The craftsmanship is off the charts. The pieces of wood have carefully been put together to create a magnificent mid-century tripod design! The burl is beautiful and the base permits a great contrast of the light burl with the tree rings in the slab! This lamp has been crowned with a clean white shade to give the gorgeous wood elements center stage. In very fine vintage condition! Treasured for over half a century. A one of a kind lamp that displays beautifully in every decor setting! A magnificent addition to any interior living spaces! Incredibly rare and a must have addition to your delectable decor! A perfect free form lamp...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsMaple, Wood
- Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini Blue Castle LampBy Aldo Londi, BitossiLocated in Palm Springs, CALovely large Bitossi Ceramic lamp designed by Aldo Londi in Rimini Blue. Unusual castle trellis top. The lamp has been rewired and functions well. The shade can be included but has s...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Table Lamps
MaterialsCeramic
- Mid-Century Modern Aldo Londi for Bitossi 'Rimini Blue' Pottery Table Lamp, 1960By Aldo LondiLocated in Brussels, BEMid-Century Modern Aldo Londi for Bitossi 'Rimini Blue' pottery table lamp, 1960s.Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsCeramic
- Italian Blu Rimini Pottery Table Lamp by Aldo Londi, Bitossi, Mid-Century ModernBy BitossiLocated in Pemberton, NJA big pottery lamp from the 1960s Blu Rimini collection of Bitossi by Aldo Londi, Italy.Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Table Lamps
MaterialsCeramic
- Pair of Italian “Rimini Blue” Bitossi Table Lamps by Aldo LondiBy Aldo Londi, BitossiLocated in Palm Springs, CAGlamorous pair of 1960’s Italian ceramic ‘Rimini Blue’ table lamps by renowned Italian ceramicist Aldo Londi for Bitossi. The ceramic bases are hand made and painted in Italy. Newly...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsNickel
- Aldo Londi for Bitossi Rimini Blue Campus Table Lamp, 1960sBy Aldo Londi, BitossiLocated in Stockholm, SELarge, exceptional Aldo Londi for Bitossi table lamp featuring a modernist impressed architectural design with figurative palm trees. This line of objects was named "Campus" by the US importer Raymor. Excellent condition, some white dots in pictures are just light reflections. Please note: We are selling this lamp without the lamp shade and measurements are without the shade. Rewired: New EU standard...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Aldo Londi for Bitossi Rimini Blue LampBy BitossiLocated in West Palm Beach, FLA large scale lamp, covered in Rimini blue glaze featuring incised Sgraffito decoration.Category
Vintage 1950s Table Lamps
MaterialsCeramic