Italy, 1950s

Product Description

A charming candlestick holder in the iconic Rimini Blu style that defined Italian ceramics during the mid-20th century. This piece showcases the vibrant cobalt and turquoise blue glazes characteristic of the celebrated Rimini Blu collection, originally created by Aldo Londi for Bitossi Ceramiche in the late 1950s. The distinctive azure glaze, applied by hand, creates subtle variations in tone and depth that catch and reflect light beautifully. Hand-incised geometric patterns and abstract motifs decorate the surface, demonstrating the artisan craftsmanship typical of Italian studio pottery from this era. Originally produced for a bar in Rome, this piece carries with it a whisper of la dolce vita and the convivial spirit of Italian hospitality.

Versatility

This compact candlestick holder works beautifully in various settings throughout the home. Display it on a dining table as part of an intimate table setting, where the blue glaze complements both neutral and colourful table linens. Use it on a mantelpiece or console table as a sculptural accent piece, with or without a candle. The low profile makes it ideal for coffee table displays where taller candlesticks might obstruct sightlines. Group it with other Rimini Blu pieces or mid-century ceramics to create a curated collection, or let it stand alone as a vibrant pop of Mediterranean blue. Beyond its functional use as a candlestick, the piece serves equally well as a small vide-poche for rings or other small treasures.

Condition 

Good vintage condition with signs of age and use consistent with a piece from this era. Some wear is present as would be expected for an item of this age, adding to its authentic vintage character. The glaze remains vibrant and intact, preserving the signature Rimini Blu colouration. Minor surface wear and age-appropriate patina confirm the piece’s authenticity and history of use.

Dimensions

Diameter: 10cm | Height: 4cm

Design History

The Rimini Blu collection represents one of the most iconic achievements in Italian ceramic design. Created by master ceramist Aldo Londi for Bitossi Ceramiche between 1955 and 1965, the collection comprised over 150 designs including vases, bowls, animal figurines, and candlestick holders, all unified by their distinctive vibrant blue glaze and hand-incised decorative patterns. Londi, who began his ceramics apprenticeship at age eleven in the pottery centre of Montelupo Fiorentino near Florence, brought deep expertise in traditional Italian ceramics to his role as Bitossi’s creative director. The Rimini Blu collection bridged traditional craft and modernist aesthetics, becoming instrumental in establishing handcrafted expressive ceramics within Italy’s mid-century design movement. The rich azure glaze, known as “Persiano Blue,” combined with sgraffito decoration featuring abstract geometric and organic motifs, created pieces that were simultaneously modern and rooted in Mediterranean craft traditions. Today, Rimini Blu pieces remain highly collectible, prized for their vibrant colour, tactile surfaces, and the handmade quality that ensures each piece is subtly unique.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​