Mid-Century Italian Ceramic Trifoglio Range Vase by Aldo Londi for Bitossi (1964)

Mid-Century Italian ceramic vase by Aldo Londi for Bitossi (1964). Part of the 'Trifoglio' range designed by Londi which was produced in the 1960s, it presents two glazed central 'blu' bands and rough-textured manganese-brown glazed elsewhere. The 'blu' glazed bands are pierced with holes and a low relief motif of three balls in a shield. The range name means 'clover' and shows how Londi was inspired by the natural world: the simple motif of a clover leaf is reduced to its essential form, leaving a strongly modern design. Ancient pottery is referenced in the earthy, brown glaze. On the base you will find 'V120' and 'Italy'. As with marks on all Italian pottery of the period, there are no hard-and-fast rules for marks used by Bitossi. Some pieces are totally unmarked, while others are simply impressed or painted 'ITALY', denoting that they were made for export. It is essential to consider the shape, glaze, clay and form when trying to attribute a piece to Bitossi. Their system was extremely complex and is still being recorded and decoded by the company's archive division (ref: 'Alla Moda - Italian Ceramics of the 1950s-70s', by Mark Hill). This piece is in very good overall condition. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying this listing. Upon request a video will be provided.

About the Artist: Aldo Londi (1911-2003), nicknamed chiodo (nail), did not come from a family of potters, but showed an early aptitude for working with clay. He apprenticed at Fratelli Fanciullacci aged 11. Within a few years he had gained enough skill to work on his own and began to study decorating. His development was interrupted by military service. In 1940 he was captured by the Allies and imprisoned in South Africa. He remained there for five years, during which time he learnt English and set up a small kiln and rudimentary pottery. His brother-in-law, Marcello Bitossi, encouraged him to join the Bitossi factory. His talents became evident almost immediately, and the family appointed him artistic director, a position that he maintained for three decades until his retirement in 1976 (ref: 'Alla Moda - Italian Ceramics of the 1950s-70s', by Mark Hill).

Dimensions:

H 30.5 cm / 12"

Dia 13 cm / 5.1"