Rimini Blu horse sculpture by Aldo Londi for Bitossi, Italy, 1970s

There is a certain kind of blue that exists only in Italian ceramics of the 1960s—deep, luminous, and full of life. This Rimini Blu horse captures that magic perfectly. More than a decorative object, it is a piece of design history. The cobalt glaze shifts into charcoal tones within the carved details, revealing the artist’s hand in every indentation and brushstroke. Created in Montelupo Fiorentino in the early 1960s, this sculpture belongs to Londi’s famous Rimini Blu series—works inspired by the Adriatic coast near Rimini, translating sea and sky into texture and color. Each early piece was hand-formed, hand-stamped, and individually glazed, resulting in subtle variations that make every example one of a kind. This horse carries the hand-inscribed mark “5000/26 Italy” on the base, identifying it as an original early-production piece. Later reissues—produced with lighter clay bodies and smoother turquoise glazes—are attractive but lack the depth, irregularity, and tactile warmth of these first-generation works. Despite its 60+ years of age, the piece remains in beautiful vintage condition. Dimensions: Height: approx. 26 cm, Length: approx. 26 cm. Designer: Aldo Londi. Maker: Bitossi Ceramiche, Montelupo Fiorentino, Italy. Period: Early 1960s.