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.
Mid-Century Italian Red Ceramic Vase from Bitossi, 1960s
By Bitossi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Italian Red Ceramic Vase from Bitossi, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Ceram...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Red Ceramic Vase by Bitossi, Italy, 1960s, 6.3"
By Bitossi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Italian Red Ceramic Vase from Bitossi, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Ceram...
Ceramic
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Red Ceramic Vase, Minimalist Design
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Minimalist Ceramic Vase, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Color: Red Styles: Mid-Century Modern, Minimali...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Italian Ceramic Carafe Vase, Red, 1960s Design
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Italian Ceramic Carafe Vase, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 Additional information: Materials: Ceramic Color: Red Styles: Mid-Century Modern Count...
Ceramic
Mid-Century German Ceramic Urania Series Vase from Wächtersbach, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German Ceramic Urania Series Vase from Wächtersbach, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Ma...
Ceramic
Mid-Century West German Pottery WGP Vase from Scheurich, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century West German Pottery WGP Vase from Scheurich, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials:...
Ceramic
Italian Mid-Century Modern Glazed Ceramic Vase by Bitossi, Red, 1960s
By Bitossi
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Italian Mid-Century Modern Glaze ceramic red vase by Bitossi 1960s. Stamp on the bottom made in Italy, original ceramic in typical Bitossi red colour.
Ceramic
Italian Mid-Century Modern Glazed Ceramic Vase by Bitossi, Red, 1960s
By Bitossi
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Italian Mid-Century Modern Glaze ceramic red vase by Bitossi 1960s. Stamp on the bottom made in Italy, original ceramic in typical Bitossi red colour.
Ceramic
Red Ceramic Vase, German Design, 1960s, Manufactured By Scheurich
Located in St. Leonards-On-Sea, GB
A nice ceramic vase produced by the renowned German manufacturer Scheurich Keramik during the 1960s. Executed in rich shades of red and finished with the characteristic Fat Lava glaz...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Scheurich Red Glazed Ceramic Vase, Germany, 9.5\
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Queens, NY
West German Mid-Century ceramic vase with a raised vertical \'onion\' or \'Amsterdam\' design and deep red glaze. (SCHEURICH KERAMIK, mark on bottom, W. GERMANY 285-23)
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Red West German Vase by Fohr Pottery 1970s
By Walter Grau, Fohr
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Small vintage midcentury modern vase by Walter Grau for Fohr Pottery, Germany, circa 1970. The Company Fohr started producing decorative pottery in the 1950s under Wilhelm Fohr, alth...
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery
Large Mid-Century Modern Bright Red West German Floor Vase by Fohr Pottery 1970s
By Walter Grau, Fohr
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Large rare vintage Midcentury Modern floor vase by Walter Grau for Fohr Pottery, Germany, circa 1970. The company Fohr started producing decorative pottery in the 1950s under Wilhelm...
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery
