This beautifully elegant work of mid-century Modernist stoneware was designed by Aldo Londi (b. 1911 - d. 2003) for Bitossi Ceramiche. Inspiration for the glaze is said to be taken from the Adriatic Sea, off the coast of Rimini in Italy, and hence the series name Rimini Blu.
The glaze and the series that subsequently grew from it, has become iconic and the most highly collectable of Aldo Londis' work. The form of this particular piece has been crafted with superb almost-sentience and character, the stance captured is one of mid-feint and with curiosity.
Accentuating the work is the geometric and highly tactile 'Sgraffito' decor, with shapes and lines being embossed into the clay during the crafting process. The glaze displays strokes of green, Persiano and deep blue, the great blend of glossy smooth glaze is interspersed with coarse grit in the clay.
CONDITION
Excellent, no chips, cracks or repairs. There is natural wear that is commensurable with age, please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the sculpture is marked with the model number '42120/628' and 'ITALY'.
MEASUREMENTS
c. 6.5" / 16.5 cm tall (arch of back to base) x c. 12.8" / 32.5 cm long (horns to tail) x c. 6" / 15.2 cm wide (across widest point of front hooves). Unpackaged weight: c. 2 kg / 2,115 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 (b. 1911 - d. 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 deep expertise in traditional ceramics production to Bitossi.
He’s best known for his 1950s-era collection, this Rimini Blu. 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 1959, he began to create more pieces in this 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.
