THE ITEM
A wonderfully Modernist piece of sculpted Italian stoneware, with design inspiration taken from the Adriatic sea, off the coast of Rimini in Italy and hence the series name Rimini Blu.
The glaze and the series which subsequently grew from it has become iconic and most highly collectable in Aldo Londis' work.
The geometric decor is very tactile, with shapes and lines being embossed into the clay during the crafting process. The glaze displays strokes of green and blue, the great blend of glossy smooth glaze is interspersed with coarse grit in the clay.
This work of art would suit a room with Modernist, Brutalist or Retro / Vintage themed decor.
CONDITION
Excellent. No chips, cracks or scratches. There is natural wear with gentle crazing in the glaze, of which is commensurable with age, please see photos as part of condition report.
MEASUREMENTS
c. 5" / 13 cm tall (ears to base) x c. 6" / 15.2 cm wide (tail to nose)
Unpackaged weight: c. 0.6 kg / 643 g
NOTES
Sculpture will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY
After World War II, master ceramist Aldo Londi (1911-2003) became the creative director of Bitossi Ceramiche, a position he held for more than 50 years. Londi apprenticed in ceramics at the young age of 11 and brought a deep expertise in traditional ceramics production to Bitossi .
He’s best known for his 1950s-era collection, this Rimini Blu (1955-1965). This iconic mid-century modern series contains over 150 designs, including bowls, vases, jugs and animal figurines, all glazed in a vibrant blue hue and embossed with abstract motifs and shapes.
Londi created the first piece glazed in Persiano Blue, the Ball Vase, in 1955. Shortly after in 1959, he began to create more pieces in the proprietary glaze. The collection holds historical importance because it helped to bring handcrafted and expressive works into the modernist design conversation in Italy.
Though blue was not the only colour Bitossi favoured, it has become closely associated with the brand’s identity. The collection is still in production today and widely collected by ceramics enthusiasts.