Dr. Anthony Cavo Explains the History and Value of a Reader's Mid-Century Ceramic Ashtray

This Aldo Londi ashtray is a desirable Mid-century collectible found in parents’ belongings.

Q: Hi, Dr. Cavo. Can you tell me if this is an antique? I found it in my parents’ belongings. Thank you. Lori

A: Hi Lori, Your Mid-century ashtray was made by Aldo Londi, a ceramist for the firm of Bitossi in the Italian region of Tuscany. Aldo Londi (1911–2003) was a sculptor, painter, and prolific ceramist who joined Bitossi Ceramiche (ceramics) in 1946 and remained with them for over 50 years. The Bitossi family began their ceramic industry in 1921 and still produces fine ceramic pieces.

Bitossi was one of the few Italian ceramic factories not destroyed during WWII. Early, pre-WWII, ceramic pieces from Bitossi were strictly utilitarian (kitchenware and tiles for roofs and floors) and, when marked, are stamped with the letter “B,” which is sometimes underlined. Later pieces, those from the 1950s through the 1970s, were usually marked with the handwritten words “Made in Italy,” or simply “Italy,” with the “It” in “Italy” appearing like the lowercase Greek letter Pi (πaly); there may also be a handwritten serial number. Many pieces only had paper labels that had fallen off throughout the years.

Aldo Londi specialized in brightly colored ceramics utilizing hues like turquoise, lime green, lemon yellow, mustard brown, or any combination. All the pieces are made and colored by hand. The objects for which Bitossi and Londi are most famous are their Rimini Blu pieces, a blue/green enamel color used on ceramics decorated with punched designs that include hashtags, exes, or plus signs within a diamond, somewhat reminiscent of a kite. Their fluid-appearing glaze and irregular blending of colors are another identifiable feature. They made bowls, vases, ashtrays, trinket trays, boxes, candle stands, and animal figurines, which typically cost the most.

Your Mid-century Aldo Londi ashtray was made in yellow/brown mustard or a dull turmeric color. It bears the signature motifs of Bitossi and Aldo Londi: hashtags, plus signs within diamonds and exes (X). It is also signed with the classic handwritten “Italy.” Although you did not provide dimensions, this type of ashtray was usually made in a seven-inch width by a seven-inch length by one-and-a-half-inch deep format. The price range for Bitossi/Londi ashtrays varies depending on the condition and color, with brighter, bolder colors being more desirable. In very good condition, this piece is valued at $150 to $200. A similar bright blue or green piece could sell in the $450 to $600 range.

Our guest appraiser is Dr. Anthony Cavo, a certified appraiser of art and antiques and a contributing editor to Kovels Antique Trader. Cavo is also the author of Love Immortal: Antique Photographs and Stories of Dogs and Their People.

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