Monumental and Fine Ceramic Table Lamp by Bitossi, 1960
View Similar Items
Monumental and Fine Ceramic Table Lamp by Bitossi, 1960
About the Item
- Creator:
- Dimensions:Height: 38 in (96.52 cm)Diameter: 7 in (17.78 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1960
- Condition:Like new.
- Seller Location:South Charleston, WV
- Reference Number:Seller: 1706041stDibs: LU161627723683
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.
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.
- Pair of Tall Table Lamps by RaymorBy RaymorLocated in South Charleston, WVProduced circa 1950, these ceramic table lamps feature an animal motif - giraffes - incised into the ceramic. In excellent condition with the walnut freshly lacquered and the wiring ...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsBrass
$1,249 Sale Price58% Off - Monumental Lamp by Blenko, 1955By Blenko Glass, Winslow AndersonLocated in South Charleston, WV1955, Winslow Anderson, Blenko, Milton, WV USA art glass. Model LP-19. 46" tall and 9" wide. One of the largest lamps ever produced by Blenko, this hand blown lamp is featured in "Chartreuse Green" which was produced between 1949-1955. Entirely rewired with all brass polished and in perfect condition with a double socket with pull chains. Each socket can have a 100 watt bulb for 200 total watts. This is a distinctive color that is akin to a green with a subtle yellow undertone. A perfect gift. The light switch and sockets is located at the 34" mark. Top finial 46" top stem above sockets can be altered to suit a smaller shade...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsArt Glass, Maple
- Very Fine Porcelain Table LampLocated in South Charleston, WVA very fine table lamp with an exceptionally smooth and flawless glaze and we assume either porcelain or a very fine pottery glaze. Measures: 31.5" tall, ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Table Lamps
MaterialsCeramic, Porcelain
- Obsidian Glaze Table Lamp by MarkelBy Markel CorporationLocated in South Charleston, WVDisc shaped table lamp by Markel. Obsidian glaze over matte finish gives this lamp a very unique appearance. The round nature of a disc with support base to it with its considerable ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsCeramic
- Petite Genuine Rosewood and Chrome Lamp by LaurelBy Laurel Lamp CompanyLocated in South Charleston, WVGenuine rosewood attached to the matte chrome finish. A small table lamp ideal for a credenza or bedroom. The harp can be exchanges out. Light Switch at the 16" mark. Measures 3.75" ...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsChrome
- Rude Osolnik Table LampBy Rude OsolnikLocated in South Charleston, WVRude Osolnik, circa 1975. 35" tall to top of finial. Wood body measures 21" tall, 5" wide. From the private collection of Rude Osolnik and signed to underside. baluster form with sph...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsWalnut
$3,750
- Aldo Londi for Bitossi Italy Mondrian Design Ceramic Table Lamp, 1960sBy Raymor, Bitossi, Aldo LondiLocated in Atlanta, GAThis striking 1960s Aldo Londi for Bitossi geometric ceramic table lamp was imported and distributed in the United States by Raymor of New York. This table lamp features a "Mondrian" style design with a cylindrical geometric shape and a bright yellow semi-gloss enamel finish contrasted by a textured matte black. There is no visible maker's mark. For fifty years, Bitossi's creative director, Aldo Londi, brought the ceramics manufacturer into the modern era with his abstract motifs and vivid use of colors. The lamp does not come with the shade photographed (for in situ only purpose). The table lamp electricity was updated to fit US standards. The harp and finial are included with the lamp sale...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsFaience, Ceramic
- Italian Ceramic and Brass Table Lamp by BitossiBy Bitossi, Aldo LondiLocated in Palm Springs, CAA large 1970s Italian ceramic table lamp by Bitossi. The lamp has been newly rewired with new satin and polish brass hardware. New vanilla linen shade. Overall dimensions: 40” high ...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Monumental Turquoise Glazed Ceramic Lamp by Aldo Londi for BitossiBy Aldo Londi, BitossiLocated in San Diego, CAMonumental turquoise glazed ceramic lamp by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, circa 1960s. The lamp is in very good working condition and measures 11.5"D x 30"H. The lamp sits on a small wal...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsWood, Ceramic
- Monumental Italian Midcentury Glazed Ceramic LampBy Marcello Fantoni, Bitossi, Raymor, The Marbro Lamp Company, Aldo LondiLocated in Houston, TXMonumental Italian midcentury glazed ceramic lamp. This stunning huge table lamp (41 inches H, 29 inches D) has been newly wired with a new socket ready for the shade of your choice. This is a statement lamp!Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsCeramic
- Monumental Aldo Londi for Bitossi Incised Bright Ochre Ceramic Table Lamp, 1950sBy Aldo Londi, BitossiLocated in Bainbridge, NYSubstantial Aldo Londi for Bitossi Ceramiche Imprinted Pottery Table Lamp. Featuring a handcrafted four-sided double gourd form, glazed reflective lustrous Mustard coloration, hand i...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsCeramic
- Mid Century Italian Aldo Londi Bitossi Ceramic Table Lamp c 1960'sBy Aldo Londi, RaymorLocated in New York, NYExceptional example of the sought after ceramic work of Aldo Londi, for Raymor. The lamp features an incised ceramic body with repeating Venus symbols, it is in excellent, original, ...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
MaterialsCeramic, Wood