Bitossi Rimini Blue Ceramic Cat Figurine (Aldo Londi Design)
Bitossi Ceramiche (Italy) · Art & Decor > Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Era / Decade
1960s-1970s (Original Design era)
Material
Hand-painted ceramic with iconic 'Rimini Blue' crystalline glaze. Features mottled turquoise/cobalt texture with black hand-painted detailing.
Condition
Very Good. Appears to have no major chips or cracks visible on the main body. Some light crazing may be present under the glaze which is common and often acceptable for this era/glaze type.
Demand Level
Strong. MCM Italian pottery remains a consistent performer with a dedicated collector base.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$85.00 - $185.00 (Standard resale for vintage Italian ceramics in this style)
Estimated Retail Value
$150.00 - $225.00 (Modern authorized re-editions retail in this range)
Comparable Sales
Recent sales for Bitossi cats range from $90 for smaller/common models to $350+ for rare, larger, or early production export versions.
Description
Exquisite vintage Italian ceramic cat figurine designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi. This piece features the famous 'Rimini Blue' glaze, a vibrant mottled cobalt and turquoise finish. The cat depicts a sleek, stylized MCM silhouette with hand-painted black ears, eyes, and whiskers. A quintessential piece of Mid-Century Modern Italian pottery that is highly sought after by collectors.
Key Features
Aldo Londi design; Iconic Rimini Blue glaze; Highly collectible Mid-Century Modern aesthetic; Made in Italy; Cat/Feline motif (high demand among motif collectors).
Authenticity Indicators
Look for 'Italy' and a series number (e.g., 4256) hand-written on the unglazed base. The depth and vibration of the blue glaze are hard to replicate. Confidence level: High (Design is characteristic of Londi's 1950s/60s work).
Flaws to Note
Look for small 'flea bite' chips on the tips of the ears or base (very common in Bitossi). Check for residue from the Goodwill sticker that may require careful removal to avoid damaging the glaze.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Etsy (best for vintage MCM), eBay (broadest reach for international collectors), or Chairish (premium price point if condition is flawless).
Selling Tips
Use keywords like 'Bitossi', 'Aldo Londi', 'Rimini Blue', 'MCM', and 'Italian Pottery'. Take photos in natural daylight to capture the depth of the blue. Ensure it is double-boxed for shipping as these are fragile.