Vintage Aldo Londi for Bitossi "Rimini Blue" Cylindrical Ceramic Table Lamp Base — Model 1578/48 | c.1960s

Vintage Aldo Londi for Bitossi “Rimini Blue” Cylindrical Ceramic Table Lamp Base — Model 1578/48 | c.1960s

An iconic and visually striking authentic mid-century modern Italian art pottery table lamp base, beautifully hand-detailed and glazed by the world-renowned Bitossi Ceramiche workshop in Montelupo Fiorentino, Italy.

The composition features a substantial, bold roller silhouette meticulously designed by Bitossi’s legendary art director, Aldo Londi. The ceramic body is finished in the highly collectable “Rimini Blue” décor — a mesmerising, vibrant layer of turquoise, emerald green, and deep cobalt glazes applied over a heavily textured, coarse earthenware body.

The design highlights crisp, hand-tooled geometric bands, repeating punch-work, and incised horizontal detailing that catches the light beautifully from every angle.

The lamp commands a presence with its impressive size and weight, showcasing the exquisite balance of brutalist-inspired texture and vivid Mediterranean colour that makes 1960s Italian ceramics highly coveted by interior designers and collectors around the world.

Maker’s Marks & Stampings

The lamp base carries authentic hand-inscribed factory production markings applied directly to the raw clay base:

• Production Marks: Hand-written “1578/48” over “Italy” in black script on the unglazed underside ring, completely verifying its authentic mid-century Bitossi origin. The code “1578” represents the specific shape catalogue number, while “/48” indicates its intended production height in centimetres.

Specifications

• Material: Glazed coarse chamotte earthenware ceramic
• Origin: Montelupo Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
• Era: Circa 1960s
• Ceramic Height: Approx. 43cm (17")
• Base Width: Approx. 14cm (5.5")
• Total Weight: Approx. 3.00kg

Restoration & Electrical Upgrades

This piece has been fully restored and updated to modern domestic safety standards with premium, period-appropriate components:

• Wiring: Brand-new, premium 3-core braided fabric flex cable in a luxurious Antique Gold colourway. The cable is fully earthed to accommodate the lamp’s internal structural metalwork.
• Functionality: Installed with a matching high-quality inline on/off switch positioned elegantly on the table-top trailing cord (approx. 25cm / 10" from the base) for effortless access.
• Length: A generous visible trailing cord length of approximately 2.4 metres (8 feet) outside the ceramic shell allows for flexible room styling.

Condition

Good vintage display condition with honest historic wear entirely consistent with its age and delicate production history. We describe condition honestly so you know exactly what you are buying:

• Glaze & Colour: Displays exceptional depth and high contrast. The glossy glaze remains incredibly bright and vibrant across all the hand-impressed geometric bands.
• Structure: Very good vintage condition. The heavy, thick-walled ceramic body is structurally sound with no structural cracks, deep fractures, or modern repairs. Because Bitossi earthenware is notoriously prone to edge-wear, there are a few minor, microscopic flecks to the coarse clay edges, which blend seamlessly into the rustic, hand-hewn texture of the piece. The handwritten markings on the base remain perfectly clear and legible.

Please inspect all photographs closely to verify condition details — the item pictured is the exact piece you will receive.

What’s Included

• Vintage Aldo Londi for Bitossi “Rimini Blue” Ceramic Table Lamp Base (Rewired)
• Please note: The lampshade pictured is for display inspiration only and is NOT included.
• Protective double-box, heavy-duty bubble wrap, and specialised void-fill packaging

Shipping

Sent via Royal Mail Tracked — fully tracked, insured, and signature required on delivery.