Bitossi Ceramiche 10.5 " "Rimini Blue" Cavollo (Horse)/Aldo Londi Design /Circa 1965

I found this majestic steed hanging out on the showcase wall at Volunteer's of America this morning. Resembling ancient clay horses made in Greece, Rome or China I knew immediately that it must be a Bitossi pottery piece designed by sculptor Aldo Londi. The cashier said it had just been put out. I asked to see it and turned it over. A quick check under his belly showed the number 5000C and Italy hand written in black. Bingo it was all good ! "He's coming home with me !" I said. Done in an intense turquoise color called "Remini Blue" he stands 10.5" H x 10" W. He's also super heavy for his size about 5 or 6 lbs. There is also a larger version at 16" high referred to as "monumental" on 1stdibs site. The prices are monumental too for just about all of the Bitossi pottery they have . He's not perfect though. There's a tiny piece of glaze missing on the tip of his nose from an air bubble that broke. You can see the pin whole in the ceramic as well. An easy touched up as it's only surface loss if I should choose to restore it. I would imagine that it might effect the value a bit but not too much. Most of the auctions for these pieces seem to mention age related wear. This week seems to have turned out to be art pottery FTW !! -Mike-

Bitossi History
Courtesy of
bitossiceramiche.it

The identity of Bitossi Ceramiche starts from the beginning of 1900’s and develops upon a productive ceramic tradition that existed in Montelupo Fiorentino starting from 1500. The Bitossi family business produces artistic ceramics, at least since 1871. It will be Guido Bitossi, heir to the ceramic tradition, to establish in 1921 the “Manifattura Maioliche Artistiche” featuring typical local craft works. The traditional production was renewed thanks to the Art Direction of Aldo Londi, a man attentive to the evolution of taste and with a natural born creative and aesthetical sense. The meeting with the architect Ettore Sottsass was of primary importance and it turned into a close collaboration with Londi for many years. Together they will give birth to successful lines which combined and magnified skill and genius. Bitossi Ceramiche still is in the original factory and it is still the destination for leading design characters who are fascinated by the historical value of the company and by craft production and create unique collections which are then recognizable in the nicest international shops. This attitude bound to the entrepreneurial skills developed throughout the years and to the constant research for quality product, helped to create its own identity for Bitossi Ceramiche, qualifying it as an example of Italian excellence.