1. History of the Factory The Bitossi Company has its roots in the heart of Tuscany, in Montelupo Fiorentino, a ceramics center active since the Renaissance. Founded in the early 19th century by the Bitossi family, the company initially produced traditional utilitarian ceramics. It was only in the 20th century, with the evolution of tastes and the emergence of modern design, that the company turned its attention to artistic ceramics. In 1921, Guido Bitossi formalized the creation of the "Manifattura Cav. Guido Bitossi," laying the foundations for what would become a major player in Italian ceramic design.
2. The various collaborations Bitossi's influence is largely based on its ability to collaborate with the biggest names in design. The most emblematic remains Ettore Sottsass, whose collaboration from the 1950s onwards heralded the broad outlines of radical and postmodern aesthetics. Later, other prestigious designers such as Karim Rashid, Arik Levy, Max Lamb and Aldo Cibic enriched the catalog. These collaborations allow Bitossi to remain at the forefront of innovation while respecting its artisanal roots.
3. The Aldo Londi Years and the Creation of Rimini Blu In 1946, Aldo Londi became artistic director of Bitossi. This ceramist, who came from a family of artisans, brought a new vision to the company's production. In 1955, he created the iconic "Rimini Blu" series, which combined sculptural forms, incised patterns, and a deep, vibrant blue glaze. Each piece is still handcrafted today, making it a semi-industrial production yet unique in character. Rimini Blu quickly became a symbol of Italian design in the 1950s and 1960s.
The technical secrets of Rimini blue and scarifications
An iconic color, Rimini Blue Rimini Blue is not a single glaze, but the result of a complex process combining several layers of colored glaze applied successively to a light engobe. The turquoise base, often associated with cobalt or petroleum highlights, is obtained by adding metal oxides (mainly copper and cobalt) in precise proportions. This layering, combined with an oxidative firing between 980°C and 1020°C, brings out vibrant and deep shades, with transparency and cracking effects that vary from one piece to another.
Each piece, even within a series, thus possesses unique subtleties of hue and texture. It is this chromatic richness, combined with a slightly rough appearance to the touch, that gives Rimini Blu its unique character.
The work of scarifications: tools and artisanal method The geometric patterns typical of the Rimini Blu style are made by hand before firing, directly on the raw clay or on the still-wet engobe. These incisions and impressions create a relief that captures the enamel in an irregular way, accentuating the contrasts.
For this, craftsmen use:
- serrated metal or wooden combs for drawing parallel lines;
- drypoints or metal styluses for fine drawings;
- carved wooden or rubber stamps for repeating patterns;
- sometimes prints of diverted objects (screws, threads, threads, textiles) to enrich the surface.
These interventions are guided by basic patterns, but leave room for a strong element of improvisation. Hence the semi-artisanal and ever-present aspect of Bitossi's pieces.
4. The different production periods We generally distinguish three main periods in Rimini Blu production: the 50s-60s (Aldo Londi's active period), the 70s-80s (with a qualitative decline on certain lines), and contemporary reissues (since the 2000s). The first pieces are often finer, with denser decorations. Those from the 70s are sometimes more standardized, with already noticeable variations in the enamel and the finesse of the details.
5. Signed, unsigned, intaglio stamp: the different eras Early Rimini Blu productions are hand-signed "Bitossi Italy," sometimes accompanied by a numerical reference. Others bear an intaglio stamp (often "Italy") or a red or black ink stamp. Some pieces are not signed at all, making their identification more complex. These variations are explained by the artisanal nature of production and by successive changes in the marking strategy over the decades.
6. The Sardartis Castelsardo Betrayal In the 1970s and 1980s, some productions inspired by the Rimini Blu style were marketed under other names, notably in Sardinia by the Sardartis company in Castelsardo. These pieces reproduced the motifs, shapes, and enamels, but without Bitossi's approval. Today, they are often confused with the originals, although they are distinguished by a less refined finish, different or absent signatures, and more uneven enamel quality. This commercial drift has long blurred the lines for collectors.
7. The Market Today Original Rimini Blu pieces, particularly those hand-signed or referenced in old catalogs, are attracting an increasingly sophisticated international market. Their value continues to rise, driven by the trend for mid-century Italian design. Platforms like 1stDibs, Catawiki, and Pamono regularly record sales ranging from €200 to €2,000, depending on the rarity and size of the pieces. However, the presence of counterfeits and copies requires increased vigilance.
8. Reissues via the Bitossi store Faced with the craze for Rimini blue, Bitossi Ceramiche has launched official reissues, often marked "Bitossi Ceramiche, Made in Italy" with elegant packaging. These pieces, available on their online store or from certain high-end distributors, retain the historic shapes and glazes, but are perfectly identifiable as reissues. They offer a quality alternative to those who wish to discover or offer Bitossi without going vintage hunting.
Conclusion For over a century, Bitossi has embodied the subtle alliance between artisanal tradition and artistic innovation. Through the iconic Rimini Blu line, it has captured the essence of Italian design from the 1950s and 1960s and left a lasting mark on the history of ceramics. Whether you're interested in antique pieces, period signatures, or contemporary reissues, the Bitossi universe fascinates with its aesthetic consistency and timelessness. Collecting Rimini Blue means diving into a rich heritage, where each object tells a story of gestures, know-how, and passion.
Blue Bitossi lamp Aldo Londi, Italy 1960
Rimini blue lamp Aldo Londi for Bitossi 1960
Rimini Blu ceramic mug vase by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Italy 1970