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.
White Decorative Plate by Aldo Londi
By Bitossi
Located in Milan, IT
This ceramic decorative plate features a distinctive design with intricate nylon-cut incisions on white clay, finished with a transparent crystalline glaze. It belongs to a limited e...
Ceramic
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...
Ceramic
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...
Ceramic
Alegria 2 Silver Brass and Leather Vide Poche
By Zanetto
Located in Milan, IT
A sculptural vide poche designed by the creative duo Garcé Dimofski that turns everyday storage into a refined gesture, its fluid silhouette defined by gently curved edges and a poli...
Brass
Cactus Ring Tray
By Paola Paronetto
Located in Milan, IT
Transforming a piece of art into an object of daily use, this unique paper clay tray by ceramist Paola Paronetto will add glamour to any dècor. Part of the Cactus series, featuring objects inspired by nature, the ridges on the external surface are hand painted in a deep forest green, adding texture and visual intrigue to the ring shape of this stunning handcrafted object. Used as a centerpiece on a dining table or to serve and display food, this tray will infuse any interior with a modern allure. Every one of Paola Paronetto’s creations is unique. Slight variations in shape, colour and size are to be considered a guarantee of authenticity and value. They are finished with non-toxic satin-finish enamels. Although very rarely, it is possible for them to leak after long periods of exposure to water. It is therefore advisable to test their water resistance before using them on delicate surfaces. They should not be used as dining utensils...
Ceramic
Iside Set of 2 Small Bronze plates
By Zanetto
Located in Milan, IT
This Iside set of 2 small bronze plates exemplifies the perfect union of functionality and sophistication. Crafted entirely by hand, this distinctive set of two plates showcases a be...
Bronze
Ceramic Plate by Sergio Bollagisio, Mid-20th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Flat Studio ceramic bowl by Sergio Bollagisio with stylized bamboo decoration on the mirror. The bowl is double-walled and slightly wavy, giving it a weightless overall impression.
Ceramic
Contemporary Italian Fine Ceramic Petal Tray, Matte Grey Glaze, Handmade
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary Italian fine ceramic petal shaped tray. Grey color glaze.
Ceramic
Large Catherine Mathieu 20th century design grey ceramic plate or vide poche
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Catherine Mathieu Large 20th century design stoneware ceramic plate Original perfect condition Height 5 cm Large 27 cm Width 26 cm
Ceramic
Grey Hakou B Tray by Mason Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Grey Hakou B tray by Mason Editions Dimensions: 36 × 30 × 11 cm Materials: glass and iron Colours: transparent, fume or light pink glass + black metal ...
Iron
Scandinavian Modern Stoneware Plate by Bo Fajans, Dark Gray, 1950
By Bo Fajans
Located in Västra Frölunda, SE
An elegant Scandinavian modern stoneware plate produced by Bo Fajans, Sweden, circa 1950. The plate features a beautifully textured relief decoration radiating from the center, crea...
Stoneware
Grey Stoneware Pinakio Plate by Elena Vasilantonaki
Located in Geneve, CH
Grey Stoneware Pinakio Plate by Elena Vasilantonaki Unique Dimensions: ⌀ 34 x H 10 cm (Dimensions may vary) Materials: Stoneware Available finishes: With\without handles - Black, Whi...
Stoneware
