ceramiche

Happy 2015! Only a couple of weeks into the New Year and I have already had a few exciting finds, including this lovely Bitossi Ceramiche ‘Rimini Blu’ cat. Designed by Aldo Londi in the late 1960’s in the classic decor and colours that are so reminiscent of the Mediterranean and the mid century modernist era. Super stylish with wonderful character, a beautiful piece to accessorise any sideboard, mantelpiece or table and would fit perfectly into any Bitossi or Italian pottery collection.

This was made for the shop Cer Paoli for a limited time in the early 1970’s hence their mark and not that of Bitossi on the base, and was sold on the Rimini Coast in the place that inspired the decor!

Here’s hoping for more great little gems like this for the rest of the year!

This is a beautiful and large table cigarette / cigar lighter by Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s.

A fabulous piece designed by Aldo Londi, a striking style very different to the iconic ‘Rimini Blu’. This ‘Liberty’ decor was influenced by paisley patterns on imported Persian and Indian textiles.
This is in an unusual colourway similar to that used on the ‘Spagnolo’ decor, in yellow, orange, brown and green tones, representing the Spanish terrain.

The pattern is impressed into the surface, and the whole piece has the characteristic pitted texture from the inclusion of rough granules in the clay. Lovely form with the tapered waisted base and bulbous neck, with the brass lighter sitting in a well on the top.

A wonderful piece from one of the greatest designers and ceramicists of the 20th century that
would make a fantastic practical table lighter or display item, and would look great in any 60’s, retro, vintage, mid century modern, modernist, minimal or contemporary interior. A Great addition to any collection of Bitossi / Italian / European art pottery or 20th century design.

In excellent working condition, the mechanism still has a wick and the flint sparks, will need filling with lighter fluid. The pottery is excellent, free from chips or cracks, some light crazing commensurate with age, nothing to detract on display.

Measures 18 x 7 x 7cm / 7 x 2.75 x 2.75in.

Still bears the original makers and distributors labels on the base, ‘Made in Italy 69 / 10’ and ‘Created in Italy for Rosenthal Netter’.

Available for sale in my Etsy shop http://etsy.me/Xgvt3G

afterglow retro

20th century retro, vintage and collectables

‘Rimini Blu’ cat by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Ceramiche, Italian pottery circa 1970’s

Large table cigarette lighter, Bitossi Ceramiche, Italy circa 1960’s