Four ceramic pieces by Bitossi, 1990s

Set of vases and centerpiece. BITOSSI CERAMICHE. Italy, 1990s.
Four pieces made of white glazed ceramic.
Bears the “Bitossi. Made in Italy” stamp and the “AAA32 1990” label.
In good condition. Shows slight signs of use, minor scuffs, and isolated areas where the glaze has chipped off.
Measurements: 45.5 cm high x 20 cm in diameter (tall vase); 31.5 cm high x 15 cm in diameter (narrow-mouth vase); 18 cm high x 25.5 cm in diameter (centerpiece); 12 cm high x 26.5 cm in diameter (vase).

This four-piece set is a striking example of Bitossi’s production during the 1990s, a period in which the historic manufacturer continued to combine artisanal ceramic craftsmanship with a design language fully integrated into contemporary design. The unity of the set is defined by the white finish and, especially, by the relief of horizontal bands that run continuously across each piece, adapting to different profiles and proportions. The repetition of this motif gives rhythm to the surfaces and accentuates the perception of the volumes without resorting to chromatic decoration. The monochromatic finish focuses attention on the construction of the profiles and the successive horizontal moldings—a technique that lends the pieces a sculptural presence that is particularly striking when they are presented as a set.

Founded by Guido Bitossi in Montelupo Fiorentino in 1921, Bitossi Ceramiche holds a prominent place in the history of 20th-century Italian ceramics. Under the artistic direction of Aldo Londi, the company developed an experimental aesthetic beginning in the 1950s that led to numerous collaborations with designers, including Ettore Sottsass. The firm’s historical production is currently preserved and documented at the Archivio Museo Bitossi, whose collection includes more than 7,000 pieces, along with drawings, designs, and documentation from the factory.