We end our exploration of America's Blues with this substantial and handsome Italian immigrant (make that "import")—a Bitossi ceramic ashtray. Bitossi family members had been active in ceramics-making—on the outskirts of Florence— since the time of the Renaissance. Like many ceramics legacies, they started by producing "utilitarian" objects: roofing tiles, floor tiles, architectural trim. In 1921, Guido Bitossi founded the ceramics workshop we know today, venturing into artistic, decorative objets used to decorate the home.
After World War Two, the company began a new chapter under the artistic leadership of Aldo Londi (1911-2003). He executed and oversaw Bitossi's production of Modernist ceramics—perfectly timed to catch the big, post war decorating wave. Londi designed product himself; he also hired cutting edge Modernist designers like Ettore Sottsass and Piero Fornasetti to contribute to the Bitossi effort.
The Rimini Blu line of ceramics, exemplified by the heavy ceramic ashtray shown above, has become one of Bitossi's signature designs. Much handwork goes into each piece's production: throwing (or moulding) each piece, incising and impressing the designs into the clay (using hand tools), and hand-painting multiple glaze colors in just the right places.
While ashtrays (especially on a coffee table) may seem a relic of the past, they can still provide a useful and aesthetic function. Of course, one may use the bowl-shaped form to hold things (pinecones, coasters, glass balls, pot-pourri). But, even standing empty and alone, such a large splash of color cannot but help make a decorative statement in a room. Even unused, an ashtray such as this will provide an enthusiastic, pleasant reminder of post war Italy's sunny period of La Bella Vita. Click on the photo above to learn more about this handsome piece.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.