Friday, August 29, 2008

Rimini Blu by Bitossi

Rimini Blu is an Italian ceramics line characterized by intricate hand-embossed patterns and layered blue and turquoise glazes, reminiscent of the sea. The pieces were designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, and many are still in production today. The pattern can be seen in vases, lamps, ash trays, bowls, platters, and, my favorite, animal figurines.

Bitossi horse from Kate Spade via Decor8 on Flickr.decor8horse

Designed in the 1950s, some of the animal figurines are available in a re-editions line at Unica Home.

uincabird unicacat unicaelephant unicaowl

Rimini Blu pattern detail by Anne Cooper on Flickr. amcoop1amcoop3

And even though these aren't Rimini Blu, I just had to include these unusual pink Bitossi vases by quekie - manusje van alles on Flickr.pinkvases

Want to start or add to your own Rimini Blu collection? Lots of tempting finds on eBay...

ebay2ebay1 ebay3ebay4

Top L: tray from modern cactus; Top R: bowl from aashee; Lower L: vase from camillehervier; Lower R: vase from MotherEarthGifts

And if you're lucky enough to be in London in September, the London Design Festival is having a Rimini Blue exhibit from September 17-23, 2008 at SCP West.

7 comments:

Emily said...

This is super interesting, thanks. I've always loved Rimini Blu but didn't know the history of Bitossi -- I have been to his home town of Montelupo and can attest that it is indeed a little ceramic mecca. I actually import functional ceramics from Montelupo - http://www.EmiliaCeramics.com

Peacock Modern said...

Emily - thanks for sharing. Your website is beautiful! I love those blue and white gorky cups.

Kultur* said...

Great post about these lovely ceramics. Thank you! :)

Peacock Modern said...

Thanks kultur*! It was fun to write.

dessert girl said...

Oh my gosh! So many cute things! My sister has one of those deer planters, which belonged to my grandmother. I've never seen another one before!

Peacock Modern said...

dessert girl - how lucky for your sister to have a family heirloom like that!

Heals said...

interesting use of the horse as a bookend.