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.
Mid-Century Modern Bitossi Ceramic Bowl, Italy, 1960s
By Bitossi
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
A Mid-Century Modern Bistossi ceramic bowl or bonbonniere with a stylized crossword design of squiggly lines with block squares in red, yellow, gray blue and black on a white glazed ...
Ceramic
$1,302Sale Price|20% Off
Large Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini Blue Glazed Ceramic Centerpiece Bowl, 1950s
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Barcelona, ES
Italian midcentury Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini blue ceramic centerpiece bowl, Italy, 1950-1960s. Unusual large scale 14,17 in diameter Mid-Century Modern blue glazed ceramic (Rimini Bl...
Pottery, Terracotta, Ceramic
Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini Blu Ceramic Round Bowl, 1950s
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Barcelona, ES
Rimini Blue Bitossi Aldo Londi Bowl, Glazed Ceramic Italian midcentury Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini blue glazed ceramic circular bowl. Italy, 1950-19...
Pottery, Terracotta, Ceramic
Aldo Londi Bitossi Safety Pin Bowl, Ceramic, Blue & Gold, Italy, 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in New York, NY
Aldo Londi Bitossi Safety Pin Bowl, Ceramic, Blue & Gold, Italy, 1960s. Medium scale hand thrown footed bowl glazed in "Rimini blue" and featuring Londi's Safety Pin decor on bot...
Pottery, Ceramic
Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini Blu Glazed Ceramic Footed Centerpiece Bowl, 1950s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern blue glazed ceramic (Rimini Blu) round footed bowl or centerpiece, Italy, 1950s-1960s. Designed by Aldo Londi and manufactured by Bitossi. Handcrafted in Italy wit...
Pottery, Terracotta, Ceramic
$750Sale Price|50% Off
Aldo Londi Bitossi Ashtray, Ceramic, Safety Pin, Blue, Gold, Signed
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in New York, NY
Aldo Londi Bitossi Ashtray, Ceramic, Safety Pin, Blue, Gold, Signed. Small to medium scale deep ashtray with three cigarette rests. Decorated with a pattern of gold glazed safety pin...
Ceramic
Bitossi Aldo Londi Rimini Blue Ceramic XL Round Centerpiece Bowl Ashtray
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Barcelona, ES
Blue glazed (Rimini Blu) ceramic large ashtray designed by Aldo Londi and manufactured by Bitossi. Italy, 1950-1960s. It was handcrafted in Italy with hand carved geometric design ...
Pottery, Terracotta, Ceramic
Bitossi for Rosenthal Netter Ceramic Box, Bowls Vide Poche, 3 pc, circa 1960
By Bitossi, Rosenthal Netter, Aldo Londi
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is an exceptional Mid-Century Modern Aldo Londi for Bitossi ceramic set of three pieces, with a box, and two vide poche or catchalls. The pieces were meticulously crafted in Ita...
Ceramic
$883Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Italian Ceramic Tray by Aldo Londi for Bitossi (circa 1960s)
By Bitossi
Located in London, GB
Mid-Century Italian ceramic tray by Aldo Londi for Bitossi (circa 1960s). The piece presents a glazed central Rimini 'blu' band at the centre of t...
Ceramic
Large 1960s Midcentury Bitossi Aldo Londi Rimini Blu Pottery Ceramic Bowl Italy
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
This 1960s Rimini Blu pottery centrepiece was designed by ceramist Aldo Londi for Bitossi Ceramiche in a very rare size with a diameter of 28cm! The beautifully hand decorated geomet...
Pottery
Large Mid-Century Modern Rimini Blu Pottery Bowl Aldo Londi Bitossi Italy 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large Mid-Century Modern Rimini Blu Pottery Bowl by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy, 1960s
Ceramic
Italian Ceramic Bowl by Aldo Londi for Bitossi
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1970’s Italian large ceramic “ Rimini Blue” bowl designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi. Large statement bowl that can be placed as a catch all oar for fruit. It’s marked made in Italy ...
Ceramic
Italian Bitossi "Moroccan Hearts" Pottery Bowl Dish Keep All Design Aldo Londi
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Striking Italian pottery bowl designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, dating to the 1960s. This decorative piece belongs to the sought-after "Moroccan Hearts" series, showcasing Londi’s ...
Ceramic
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Rimini Blu Leaf Shaped Glazed Ceramic Bowl / Ashtray
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Barcelona, ES
Unusual leaf design midcentury blue glazed (Rimini Blu) ceramic bowl / vide-poche / ashtray. Italy, 1950-1960s. Designed by Aldo Londi and manufactured by Bitossi. Handcrafted in It...
Pottery, Terracotta, Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Bitossi Ceramic Bowl, Italy, 1960s
By Bitossi
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
A Mid-Century Modern Bistossi ceramic bowl with a stylized crossword design of squiggly lines with block squares in red, yellow, gray blue and black on a white glazed soft textured b...
Ceramic
$620Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage Aldo Londi Bitossi Ceramic Ashtray, Lighter and Cigarette Holder Italy
By Bitossi, Rosenthal, Aldo Londi
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful trio set by Bitossi. This ceramic set is glamorous, chic and so mid-century. The trio includes a beautiful ashtray, a tall table lighter and a cigarette holder. Together th...
Ceramic
Bitossi for Rosenthal Netter Bowl, Ceramic, Blue, Onion Pattern, Signed
By Rosenthal Netter, Bitossi
Located in New York, NY
Bitossi for Rosenthal Netter Bowl, Ceramic, Blue, Onion Pattern, Signed. Large scale colorful ceramic low bowl with a Rimini blue exterior and a wavy abstract onion pattern interior ...
Ceramic
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Majolica Broken Gold Bowl or Ashtray, Italy
By Alvino Bagni, Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Unusual triangular bowl or ashtray features Oro Rotto, or Broken Gold, glaze on black background with grey glaze accents. The Broken Gold glaze was designed to look like gilded 18th...
Gold
Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini Blue Glazed Ceramic Rectangular Ashtray Bowl Videpoche
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Barcelona, ES
Italian handcrafted blue glazed ceramic rectangular ashtray / bowl with hand-carved geometric designs in cobalt blue and turquoise colors. The 'Rim...
Pottery, Terracotta, Ceramic
Mid-Century Italian Ashtray or Catchall Dish by Aldo Londi for Bitossi c.1950
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An original Aldo Lodi for Bitossi glazed ceramic ashtray or catchall dish. Imprinted with "B" indicating an earlier example. CREATOR Aldo Lodi for Bitossi, Italy. D...
Ceramic
Bittosi Ceramic Revolver Bowl by Christoph Radl
By Bitossi
Located in New York, NY
Bowl-shaped riser, made by using the casting technique in white clay. Yellow crystalline over brown engobe. The engobe is a clay-based color that is spread over the still unfired cer...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Bitossi Decorative Bowl, White and Gold, Italy, 1960s
By Bitossi
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern Bitossi Decorative Bowl, White and Gold, Italy, 1960s. Small to medium scale bowl with gold abstract glaze over white with two tiny cutout handles near the top edg...
Ceramic
1960's Bitossi Long Turquoise Bowl w/ Vintage Design
By Bitossi
Located in North Miami, FL
This richly blue long oblong shaped bowl with early automobiles design is a great decorative bowl for foyer table, makeup table, accessory, etc.
Ceramic
Mid Century Modern Bowl by Bitossi Italy
By Bitossi
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
A Mid-Century Modern Bistossi ceramic bowl in bright colors.
Ceramic
Mid Century Modern Bowl by Bitossi Italy
By Bitossi
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
A Mid-Century Modern Bistossi ceramic bowl with a stylized crossword design of squiggly lines with block squares in red, gray blue and black on a white glazed soft textured backgroun...
Ceramic
Vintage Petite Ceramic Compote Bowl by Aldo Londi for Bitossi
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Chicago, IL
Attractive vintage ceramic compote by Aldo Londi for Bitossi.
Ceramic
$1,800 / item
Bitossi Cookie jar by Pierre Marie Agin
By Bitossi
Located in New York, NY
Cookie jar by Pierre Marie Agin Inspired by the fluted ornaments of some models preserved in the Bitossi Historical Archive, this piece features a double shelf inside that allows yo...
Ceramic
Vintage 1960s Bitossi for Rosenthal-Netter Blue Glazed Ceramic Ashtray Catchall
By Rosenthal Netter, Jonathan Adler, Jorgen Moller, Bitossi, Raymor
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking example of the celebrated collaboration between Bitossi and Rosenthal-Netter, this vintage 1960s ceramic ashtray or catchall embodies the bold artistic spirit that defined...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Pesce Fish Pottery Bowl, Aldo Londi, Bitossi, Italy, 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Pesce Fish Pottery Bowl by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy, 1960s
Pottery
Aldo Londi Bitossi Striped Mid-Century Ceramic Centerpiece Bowl, Italy, 1960s
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful round striped terracotta bowl, designed by Aldo Londi, handcrafted from ceramic by the Italian manufacturer Bitossi Ceramiche in the 1960s. The bowl features six horizont...
Ceramic, Pottery, Terracotta
Bitossi Ceramic Postmodern Vase by Berkeley House Signed Italy, 1980s
By Bitossi, Berkeley House
Located in San Diego, CA
Bitossi ceramic classic postmodern Italian design vase by Berkeley House signed Italy, 1980s. A beautiful and sculptural clean design dark chocolate glossy finish a couple of fleabit...
Ceramic
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Large Ashtray or Catchall, Italian Ceramic
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Lovely and large ashtray or catchall designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi. Stunning colors and patterns. Well proportioned at 2.75” tall and 8.5” wide.
Ceramic
Aldo Londi, Bitossi Ceramic Bowl, Gold Spikes, Mid-Century Modern, Italy 1960s
By Bitossi
Located in New York, NY
Aldo Londi, Bitossi Ceramic Bowl, Gold Spikes, Mid-Century Modern, Italy 1960s. Hard to find medium scale bowl, glazed in white with applied gold spikes. Si...
Ceramic
Set of 2 Aldo Londi Bitossi Ceramic vase and bowl signed.
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 2 ceramic Bowl and vase designed by Aldo Londi and manufactured by Bitossi, Italy in the 1960s. Mustard colored with strokes of brown and engraved geometric patterns. Good vi...
Ceramic
Bitossi Decorative Bowl by Aldo Londi, Ceramic with Gold Spikes, Italy, 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in New York, NY
Bitossi Decorative Bowl by Aldo Londi, Ceramic with Gold Spikes, Italy, 1960s. Small to medium scale bowl in black glaze decorated with applied gold spikes....
Ceramic
Bitossi Decorative Bowl, Ceramic and Fused Glass, Italy, 1960s, Signed
By Bitossi
Located in New York, NY
Bitossi Decorative Bowl, Ceramic and Fused Glass, Italy, 1960s, Signed. Medium scale white glazed rectangular low bowl with fused glass mosaic interior pattern of light and dark blue...
Ceramic
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Mid Century Aldo Londi for Bitossi Pottery Centerpiece C. 1960
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Atlanta, GA
Aldo Londi for Bitossi Pottery Vintage Mid-Century Centerpiece c. 1960 This striking centerpiece by Aldo Londi, designed for the renowned Italian ceramics house Bitossi, epitomizes ...
Pottery
$1,360 / item
Bitossi Soliflore by Pierre Marie Agin
By Bitossi
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the shapes of ancient jugs, the floral handles pay tribute to some pieces preserved in the Bitossi Historical Archive. All Bitossi ceramics a...
Ceramic
Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini Blu Ceramic Round Bowl
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in North Miami, FL
Vintage Rimini Blu Bitossi Aldo Londi glazed ceramic bowl. Beautiful blue glazed (Rimini Blu) round ceramic bowl or vide-poche designed by Aldo Londi a...
Ceramic
$1,970 / item
Bitossi Centrepiece by Pierre Marie Agin
By Bitossi
Located in New York, NY
PMA–2 Centrotavola cm. 27,5H x 28Ø Marrone lucido At once a fruit bowl and a vase, this piece features floral handles that pay tribute to some of the works preserved in the Bitossi ...
Ceramic