Blue Bitossi Cat, Flavia Montelupo, Italy

• Beautiful Bitossi cat in radiant Rimini blue
• From Bitossi's ceramic workshop in Montelupo near Florence
• Designer: Aldo Londi
• From the 60s
• Material: ceramic
• Two-sided: face and pattern on both sides
• "Flavia Montelupo Italy" on the underside
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 19 x 11 x 4 cm
• Condition: very good - only tiny chip on one tip of the ear (see picture), which is not very noticeable
• Coveted and very rare lover art object!

Background

A descendant of a long, long line of Tuscan ceramics manufacturers, Guido Bitossi opened his own ceramics workshop in Montelupo near Florence in 1921. Originally called "Manifattura Ceramica Cav. Guido Bitossi & Figli" (Ceramics Manufactory Guido Bitossi & Sons), the name was later shortened to "Bitossi Ceramiche".

After the Second World War, master ceramist Aldo Londi (1911 - 2003) became Bitossi Ceramiche's creative director and remained in this position for more than fifty years. Londi, who himself was also from Montelupo, began working in ceramics at the age of eleven and brought with him extensive experience in traditional ceramic production. His Rimini Blu collection (1955 - 1965) is his most famous work. This iconic mid-century modern series includes more than 150 designs, including bowls, vases, jugs, and animal figurines, all in vibrant blue and characterized by abstract motifs and shapes. In 1955, Londi created the first piece in the series, the Ball Vase. Shortly after, in 1959, he went on to create more pieces in the peculiar colorful glow. This collection is historically important because it helped handcrafted and expressive pieces enter the modernist design discourse in Italy. Although blue was not the only color Bitossi favored, it became closely associated with the brand identity. The collection is still produced and collected by ceramic lovers today.