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

A classic Bitossi vase from Aldo Londi’s 'Sahara' series (circa 1960s), its warm, sun-baked palette inspired by desert landscapes. The cylindrical body rises to a rounded shoulder and a short, rolled collar neck. It is encircled by bands of hand-stamped decoration: rows of beads, fine vertical ribbing, star-like flowers and zigzag motifs, all pressed into the clay. The glazes range from pale sand and cream to deep chocolate brown, settling darkly into the impressions so the patterns stand out in crisp relief. Across the centre, a bold band of bright orange adds a flash of colour and gives the vase its unmistakable 1960s character. It is in good overall condition. Please enjoy the photos accompanying this listing. Upon request a video will be provided. 

Dimensions:

Dia 10 cm / 3.9"

H 18.5 cm / 7.3"

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).