Ceramiche Flavia Montelupo represents a fascinating intersection of Italian modernism and artistic folklore.
Emerging from the creative fervour of mid-century Tuscany, ceramic works capture a dialogue between craftsmanship, symbolism, and everyday ritual.
Each piece recalls Montelupo Fiorentino’s legacy of hand-thrown majolica while reinterpreting it through the lens of postwar design movements.
Exploring Ceramiche Flavia work means engaging with Italy’s artisanal continuity, where texture, myth, and materiality converge and art invites us to see ceramics as more than functional decor but as cultural narratives shaped by place, memory, and the enduring pulse of Italian design.
Image 1 - Flavia Montelupo Glazed Blue Ceramic Set, 1960s
Bitossi, one of the most iconic name in ceramics
Ceramiche Flavia Montelupo, better known today as Bitossi Ceramiche, stands as one of Italy’s most iconic and enduring names in ceramics.
Founded in 1921 by Guido Bitossi in Montelupo Fiorentino, near Florence, the company carries centuries of local ceramic tradition into the modern era.
Originally, Bitossi focused on crafting Renaissance-style maiolica and terracotta pieces that celebrated classical Tuscan artistry.
Image 2 - Montelupo's ceramics are made using traditional techniques, such as hand-painting and glazing.
Each object reflected the deep-rooted skills of the Bitossi family, whose ancestors had worked as kiln masters, sculptors, and pottery artisans since the 1500s. Their early creations embodied the harmony between tradition, craftsmanship, and regional identity.
The contribution of Aldo Londi in shaping mid-century Bitossi.
The mid-20th century marked a turning point. Under the visionary artistic direction of Aldo Londi, who joined in 1946, Bitossi transformed from a historical workshop into a hub of modern creativity.
Londi introduced bold glazes, vibrant colours, and experimental forms, bridging the gap between past and present.
Image 3 - Aldo Londi Italian Ceramic Bowl, 1960s
His renowned “Rimini Blu” series remains a symbol of Italian craft modernism.
Bitossi’s commitment to artisanal production endures to this day.
Each piece is still handmade by skilled craftspeople, shaped and decorated with patience and precision.
Image 4 - Bitossi Rimini Blue Large Vase
This blend of technique, experimentation, and respect for tradition has led to collaborations with celebrated designers, including Ettore Sottsass, and secured Bitossi’s place in major museums and design collections worldwide.
From its origins in Tuscany’s ceramic heartland to its status as a global design reference, Bitossi Ceramiche continues to embody the spirit of Italian craftsmanship, heritage refined through innovation.
Image 5 - Bitossi Style Ceramic Vase in Yellow, Green, and Orange, 1960s.
Ceramiche Montelupo at Lumini Collections
At Lumini Collections, you can find pieces from Montelupo mainly in the form of mid-century Italian hand-painted ceramics.
Specifically, they offer vibrant ceramic vases and glazed ceramic sets from Montelupo dating back to the 1960s. These pieces showcase Montelupo's traditional hand-painting and glazing techniques with bold colors and organic forms, representing a collectible mid-century modern style.
The notable Montelupo items at Lumini include:
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Explore our extensive range of distinctive pieces, each thoughtfully restored by skilled artisans to grace your home for generations.
We invite you to Visit the Byron Bay showroom a curated, beautiful space showcasing pieces we cherish and have handpicked ourselves. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing our expertise.
Private viewings are available any day of the week; simply call the showroom to arrange your appointment.