A Bitossi lamp base. Angular vase shape with sgraffito and dot pattern markings applied over multi-coloured, glazed cubic shapes, on a dark brown ground. Applied marks 'L100/48 Italy'.

Attributed to Aldo Londi, c.1946-55. Attribution is difficult in Italian ceramics of the 40s/50s. Mark Hill, in his excellent reference book on Italian mid-century ceramics 'Alla Moda', notes that Aldo Londi infrequently signed his work but that 'L' and a production number are common marks in his early work for Bitossi. For instance, many of his 'Seta' and 'Lobster' range ceramics (which similarly employed incised or 'sgraffito' decoration) are signed 'L' or 'LEM' and numbered. To the best of our knowledge, this lamp dates prior to these ranges Bitossi produced from 1955. That would make this lamp one of Londi's earlier works for Bitossi, possibly a prototype.

DIMENSIONS:

Height 58 cm

Diameter 18 cm

CONDITION:

Very good to Excellent. Minor scuffing and some small scratches, please ask to see detailed images of condition. Tested and tagged to Australian Standards. 2 metres of cloth cord. New antiqued brass lamp fitting with switch. Original internal rod.