Master Italian ceramist Aldo Londi created a range of decorative objects in the latter half of the 20th century for the manufacturer Bitossi. In addition to the small-scale animal sculptures for which he is best known, Londi designed a variety of ceramics for the famed company that includes vases, bowls and desk accessories. Collectors know that vintage Aldo Londi pottery is marked by deep attention to detail and an integration of rich, alluring hues typically associated with the Mediterranean.
Londi was born in Montelupo Fiorentino, just outside of Florence, an area that has been known for its pottery since the Renaissance. Londi showed an early interest in the craft, apprenticing at the Fratelli Fanciullacci ceramic workshop when he was only 11 years old. He worked at the company until he left to fight in World War II. After returning to Montelupo Fiorentino in 1946, Londi became the creative director at Bitossi — a position he held for more than 50 years.
Londi's fresh and unique style breathed new life into Bitossi. He prioritized the production of high-quality and handmade decorative objects and created many of Bitossi's pottery lines himself. The most famous of Londi's Bitossi collections is the Rimini Blu line of animals and vases, which debuted in 1955. The collection is characterized by geometric and whimsical patterns and is recognizable for its marvelous blue color.
Londi's fame and popularity extended outside of Italy with the help of Raymor. The American import and distribution company introduced many esteemed Italian manufacturers such as Bitossi to boutiques and department stores in the United States. After Raymor founder Irving Richards hired Ettore Sottsass to design ceramics, Richards connected his new recruit to Londi. Decades before he founded a legendary postmodern design collective in Milan called the Memphis Group, Sottsass used the Bitossi kilns to create timeless works that manifest both primitive forms and modern geometries.
In 2021, Bitossi opened the Bitossi Archive Museum at its Montelupo Fiorentino headquarters. Many of the works designed by the company's most esteemed contributor and artistic director, Aldo Londi, are proudly displayed.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Aldo Londi serveware, lighting, decorative objects and more.
France Pebble table lamp by François Chatain, 1980s
Located in Oirlo, LI
This rare 1980s François Chatain Pebble table lamp is a striking example of French artistic lighting design. Its sculptural base, formed by four handcrafted ceramic pebbles in soft b...
Brass
France Pebble table lamp by François Chatain, 1980s
Located in Oirlo, LI
This rare 1980s François Chatain Pebble table lamp is a striking example of French artistic lighting design. Its sculptural base, formed by four handcrafted ceramic pebbles in soft...
Brass
Vintage 1980 Brutalist Table Lamp, Marble & Glass, Denmark
Located in Oirlo, LI
Brutalist Table Lamp Marble & Glass, Vintage 1980 Discover the charm of the past with our Brutalist Table Lamp, a unique piece from the 80s that gives your interior a cool look. This table lamp combines robust materials such as marble and glass, resulting in a striking design that attracts attention in any room. The marble base provides stability and durability, while the glass elements with inlaid glass pieces provide a playful light effect. The lampshade, although used, is intact and contributes to the authentic character of this lamp. Advantages: Adds a cool, vintage atmosphere to your interior Sustainable materials such as marble and metal Unique design with attention to detail Playful light effects through the glass elements Good to know This lamp is a vintage item and shows signs of use, which contributes to the authentic brutalist style. The lampshade is in used condition, but not broken, and the metal ring provides sturdy support. Resume Vintage Brutalist Table Lamp...
Marble
Large ceramic gold table lamp hand turned with original shade from the 1970s
Located in Oirlo, LI
This is a beautiful golden table lamp made of ceramics presumably in Germany. This lamp fits nicely in a modern or Hollywood Regency decor. There is a switch on the cable with plug...
Ceramic
French Vintage Koker Table Lamp with Metal Base, 1960s
Located in Oirlo, LI
French vintage Koker table lamp with metal base, 1960s This is a nice separate table lamp with a tube as a cap, this lamp also has a metal base. There is a switch on the cabl...
Metal
Marble and Steel Table Lamp from Bergboms Scanlicht 1970s Sweden
By Bergboms
Located in Oirlo, LI
A beautiful and substantial vintage table lamp by Bergboms, designed and made in Sweden. This impressive model BX 178 features a large, heavy marble base combined with an elegant chr...
Marble, Chrome
Midcentury Table Lamp in Ceramic by Aldo Londi, 1960s
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Lejre, DK
Table lamp in ceramic, designed by Aldo Londi and made by Bitossi, made in Italy in the 1960s. Great original condition.
Ceramic
Midcentury Table Lamp in Ceramic by Aldo Londi, 1960s
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Lejre, DK
Table lamp in ceramic, designed by Aldo Londi and made by Bitossi, made in Italy in the 1960s. Great original condition.
Ceramic
Søholm, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Denmark, 1960s
By Soholm Pottery
Located in High Point, NC
A blue and brown-glazed incised stoneware table lamp designed and produced by Søholm, Denmark, 1960s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 9” H x 4.75” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (inches)...
Stoneware
Søholm, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Denmark, 1960s
By Soholm Pottery
Located in High Point, NC
A blue red and beige-glazed stoneware table lamp designed and produced by Søholm, Denmark, 1960s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 12.25” H x 4.75” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (inches)...
Stoneware
Søholm, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Denmark, 1960s
By Soholm Pottery
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and beige-glazed stoneware table lamp designed and produced by Søholm, Denmark, 1960s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 13.5” H x 4.25” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (inches): 7...
Stoneware
Vintage Ceramic Table Lamp by Roland Zobel for Les Cyclades, Anduze, 1960s
By Roland Zobel
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
This vintage purple ceramic table lamp was made by Roland Zobel for the Les Cyclades workshop in Anduze, France, in the 1960s. The ceramic base is covered with a glossy purple glaze...
Ceramic
