‘Rimini Blu' large ceramic vase by Aldo Londi for Bitossi
A stunning and beautifully preserved large ceramic 'Rimini Blu' vase by master Italian ceramicist Aldo Londi (1911-2003) for Bitossi, Italy.
This piece is one of my most exciting finds to date. I immediately recognised it as a Londi piece, with its signature rich, glossy blue-green glaze with specks of course clay grit, said to be inspired by the Adriatic sea, and its intricate frieze of abstract geometric imprints, which Londi created using small tools he collected in his pocket from his everyday life. Yet I was perplexed when I turned the heavy vase upside down and could not find a maker's mark. Much research and an email exchange with the Fondazione Vittoriano Bitossi in Florence later, I am able to confirm that this is indeed an authentic Londi piece, dating to 1960-1961.
It turns out, according to Italian ceramics expert Walter Del Pellegrino, that whilst Bitossi generally marked its pieces, in some cases it would release unmarked examples. This occurred when large and significant importers requested this, with their motivation being that their consumers would not be able to obtain the same pieces elsewhere.
This vase is a truly exceptional piece of art, made by hand from talented craftspeople. The 'Rimini Blu' series is highly collectable and remains popular today, so much so that Bitossi began reissuing certain Londi designs in 2001. The vintage Londi pieces, however, in contrast to the reissues, were made by hand rather than using moulds, and so have greater character and a genuinely handmade feel. As always, vintage trumps.
This spectacular piece stands 42 cm tall and measures 12 cm in diameter across the base. It is in excellent vintage condition.
A stunning and beautifully preserved large ceramic 'Rimini Blu' vase by master Italian ceramicist Aldo Londi (1911-2003) for Bitossi, Italy.
This piece is one of my most exciting finds to date. I immediately recognised it as a Londi piece, with its signature rich, glossy blue-green glaze with specks of course clay grit, said to be inspired by the Adriatic sea, and its intricate frieze of abstract geometric imprints, which Londi created using small tools he collected in his pocket from his everyday life. Yet I was perplexed when I turned the heavy vase upside down and could not find a maker's mark. Much research and an email exchange with the Fondazione Vittoriano Bitossi in Florence later, I am able to confirm that this is indeed an authentic Londi piece, dating to 1960-1961.
It turns out, according to Italian ceramics expert Walter Del Pellegrino, that whilst Bitossi generally marked its pieces, in some cases it would release unmarked examples. This occurred when large and significant importers requested this, with their motivation being that their consumers would not be able to obtain the same pieces elsewhere.
This vase is a truly exceptional piece of art, made by hand from talented craftspeople. The 'Rimini Blu' series is highly collectable and remains popular today, so much so that Bitossi began reissuing certain Londi designs in 2001. The vintage Londi pieces, however, in contrast to the reissues, were made by hand rather than using moulds, and so have greater character and a genuinely handmade feel. As always, vintage trumps.
This spectacular piece stands 42 cm tall and measures 12 cm in diameter across the base. It is in excellent vintage condition.
A stunning and beautifully preserved large ceramic 'Rimini Blu' vase by master Italian ceramicist Aldo Londi (1911-2003) for Bitossi, Italy.
This piece is one of my most exciting finds to date. I immediately recognised it as a Londi piece, with its signature rich, glossy blue-green glaze with specks of course clay grit, said to be inspired by the Adriatic sea, and its intricate frieze of abstract geometric imprints, which Londi created using small tools he collected in his pocket from his everyday life. Yet I was perplexed when I turned the heavy vase upside down and could not find a maker's mark. Much research and an email exchange with the Fondazione Vittoriano Bitossi in Florence later, I am able to confirm that this is indeed an authentic Londi piece, dating to 1960-1961.
It turns out, according to Italian ceramics expert Walter Del Pellegrino, that whilst Bitossi generally marked its pieces, in some cases it would release unmarked examples. This occurred when large and significant importers requested this, with their motivation being that their consumers would not be able to obtain the same pieces elsewhere.
This vase is a truly exceptional piece of art, made by hand from talented craftspeople. The 'Rimini Blu' series is highly collectable and remains popular today, so much so that Bitossi began reissuing certain Londi designs in 2001. The vintage Londi pieces, however, in contrast to the reissues, were made by hand rather than using moulds, and so have greater character and a genuinely handmade feel. As always, vintage trumps.
This spectacular piece stands 42 cm tall and measures 12 cm in diameter across the base. It is in excellent vintage condition.
Dimensions: Measures 42 cm tall and 12cm in diameter across the base.
Condition: Excellent vintage condition.