Vintage Ceramic Italian Vase Attributed to Aldo Londi for Bitossi (circa 1960s)

Vintage ceramic vase attributed to Aldo Londi for Bitossi (circa 1960s). This is a rare shape and decoration scheme from Bitossi discovered in central Italy. It has a classic rounded form with short neck and wide mouth. The decoration scheme consists of green and blue vertical lines throughout with a tactility due to the presence of granular clay-coloured patches on the exterior shell and the lip which add visual interest. Although some of Londi's forms were based on ancient jug or urn shapes, he continued to design new forms for successful ranges throughout his career, and a number of them were included in many different ranges across the years. Some are scarcer than others because they were discontinued quickly. 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. Certain clients also had their own numbering systems, so it is essential to consider the shape, glaze, clay and form when trying to attribute a piece to Bitossi (ref: 'Alla Moda - Italian Ceramics of the 1950s - 70s', by Mark Hill). This particular piece has what appears to be a faded maker's mark on the underside but it is illegible. It is in overall good 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), Londi 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 14 cm / 5.5"

Dia 17 cm / 6.7"