Design
Bittosi Ceramiche
A spherical vase designed by Aldo Londi in the famous Rimini blue glaze.
Image courtesy of: Modern Ware
There is documentation denoting the Bitossi family lived in Tuscany in 1536. Throughout those centuries, they were sculptors, painters, kiln workers, and potters. Thus, it makes perfect sense that in 1921, Guido Bitossi established his own ceramic craft factory near Florence. Specifically located in Montelupo, the company was originally called Manifattura Ceramic Cav. Guido Bitossi & Figli… a mouthful. As such, the company’s name was shortened to Bitossi Ceramiche a short while later.
Following World War II, Aldo Londi became the company’s creative director. The master ceramist held that position for more than fifty years. Londi started at the company as an apprentice at eleven years old; even at that time, he was able to provide Bitossi with a deep experience in traditional ceramics production. Londi was responsible for projecting a modern feel into the company; he was full of creativity and stayed abreast of changes in the styles of Italians.
Sottsass’ Black & White Bowl, 1950’s.
The black and white glazed bowl is part of a collection that is comprised of three elements: two hemispheres and one cylinder. The black-and-white ceramics were titled, “Totems.”
Image courtesy of: InCollect
Londi’s 1950’s-era Rimini Blue Collection spanned ten years and is considered one of the most well-known mid-century modern series wtih over 150 different designs that include bowls, jugs, vases, and animal figurines. Each piece in the collection is glazed in the vibrant blue hue and “Italy” is handwritten on the bottom.
A collaboration with the famous architect, Ettore Sottsass, helped cement Bitossi’s reputation among Italian ceramics. The architect began frequenting Manifattura Bitossi in 1955 in order to experiment and create new pottery that essentially opened up a whole new chapter in Italian design history.
Common to each piece is that they all display the “Made in Italy” stamp.
Image courtesy of: Bitossi Ceramiche
The iconic Rimini Blu pieces became the brand’s most popular; the color, along with the intricate hand-engraved details, is what Bittosi is best known for. The collection is the pinnacle of mid-century modern design… especially thanks to the expert craftsmanship.
Since its inception, the company has worked with some of the world’s most legendary designers to create products that are a perfect mix of Italian style and transition. The common thread is that everything is produced at “Maioliche artistiche Guido Bitossi” the factory that was founded in 1921 by Guido Bitossi, heir to the family business and keeper of Bittosi’s history.
Ettore Sottass Vase Goblet. The white and black series is hand turned in white earth, two-tone matte black and white enamel.
Image courtesy of: Issimo Issimo
In 1955, the architect Ettore Sottsass started working at the Bitossi factory in order to experiment on new ceramics. A friend of Aldo Londi’s, the pair, along with Ugo Zaccagnini, collaborated on a number of important collections. The new styles produced were the beginning of a “new chapter” in Italian design.
Specifically, Sottsass’ design of clean lines and rounded shapes with bold patterns and color contrasts were instantly considered revolutionary and iconic. Sottsass loved experimentation and believed it was necessary to maintain an artisanal way of creation for Bitossi going forward.
Aldo Londi and a Remini Blue ceramic piece.
Image courtesy of: Fish Ink Blog
Today, Bitossi remains committed to research and design, all the while continuing to reinterpret Londi’s iconic pieces. The company has become a model for how to successfully balance innovation and research. It is exciting that over the past several decades, artists such as Arik Levy, Piero Fornasetti, and Karim Rashid have collaborated with the acclaimed Italian designer to continue their tradition of collaboration.
In 2014, Bitossi Ceramiche was listed in the Register of “Historical Italian Companies.” This prestigious honor was bestowed upon the historic company by the Unioncamere Nazionale and the Chamber of Commerce. Producing beauty has never been in short supply for the Manufacturer, we have no doubt it will continue on the same path… fruitfully innovating for many more years.
