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 Modern Rimini Blu Pottery Candleholder Aldo Londi Bitossi Italy
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Rimini Blu Pottery Candleholder by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy, 1960s
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Rimini Blu Pottery Candleholder Aldo Londi Bitossi, 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Rimini Blu Pottery Candleholder by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy, 1960s
Ceramic
Mid-Century Italian Rimini Blu Pottery Vase by Aldo Londi for Bitossi 1960s
By Aldo Londi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Italian Rimini Blu Pottery Vase by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional informati...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Rimini Blu Pottery Candleholder Aldo Londi Bitossi, 1960s
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Rimini Blu Pottery Candleholder by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy, 1960s
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Rimini Blu Pottery Vase Aldo Londi Bitossi Italy 1960s
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Rimini Blu Pottery Vase by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy, 1960s
Ceramic
Vintage Italian Rimini Blu Pottery Ashtray by Aldo Londi for Bitossi
By Aldo Londi
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Italian Rimini Blu Pottery Ashtray by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Mate...
Ceramic
Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini Blue Glazed Midcentury Candle Holder Bowl, 1950s
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and decorative midcentury Rimini blue glazed round candle holder or candlestick. Designed by Aldo Londi, manufactured by Bitossi Ceram...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Raymor Bitossi Italian Pottery Rare Candle Holder Early Production Remini Blue
By Bitossi, Raymor, Aldo Londi
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful rare candle holder designed by Aldo Londi for Raymor circa 1960s, great condition hard to find piece early production.
Pottery
Mid-Century Bitossi Rimini Blu Candle Holder by Aldo Londi, Italy
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This striking Mid-Century Modern candle holder was designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Ceramiche as part of the iconic "Rimini Blu" series. Crafted in Italy during the 1960s, this handmade ceramic chamberstick features a vibrant blue glaze with characteristic embossed geometric decorations around the body. The piece has a central candle socket with a surrounding dish to catch wax drips and a raised handle, reminiscent of antique chambersticks...
Ceramic, Pottery
Bitossi Rimini Blue Candle Holder by Aldo Londi
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Bern, CH
Late 1950’s - early 1960’s Aldo Londi Rimini Blue Candle Holder for Bitossi, Italy. Numbered on base: 9850 Designer: Aldo Londi, Italy Producer: Bi...
Ceramic
Mid Century Modern Large Bitossi Rimini Blue Bowl by Aldo Londi C1965
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic large (10.5) inches x 3 deep bowl by Aldo Londi for Bitossi of Italy. Rimini Blue such a a deep intense but serene color with archaic impressions banding the bowl. In excel...
Clay
1960s small Rimini Blue ceramic vase by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Italy
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in München, BY
Decorative 1960s ceramic vase from the Rimini Blue collection. The design is by the renowned Italian artist and painter Aldo Londi. Manufactured by Bitossi. Made in Italy. Aldo Lond...
Ceramic
