Mid-Century Italian Earthenware Flower Vase by Aldo Londi for Bitossi (circa 1950s)

Mid-Century Italian earthenware flower vase by Aldo Londi for Bitossi (circa 1950s). An early and rare example of Bitossi by Londi, it presents a rough-textured, mottled, yellowish-green exterior with a more burnished glaze in the upper portion of the interior. Enveloping the mid-portion of the body is a repetitive series of geometric eye or fish shapes and strong vertical lines. The vase presents both a sculptural element to it meaning it may be viewed as either a delightful decorative conversation piece for a shelf, table top or foyer console, or simply an exquisite flower vase. As with marks on all Italian pottery of the period, there are no hard-and-fast rules for marks used by Bitossi. This piece has a stock number painted on the underside along with 'ITALY', denoting that it was made for export. This rare Londi piece is in good overall condition showing a light blemish at the lip (see 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 33.5 cm / 13.2"

Dia (base) 12.5 cm / 4.9"