Stylish and colourful, Italian ceramics of the 1950s-70s reflect the vibrant fashions, latest developments in ceramic design, and modern art of the period. Although made in large quantities and exported around the world, little is known about the companies and designers who behind them. From Bitossi to Bertoncello, and from Fantoni to Fornasetti to the many potteries on San Marino, this book breaks open a treasure chest of mid-century modern ceramic design including the rediscovery of a forgotten factory. Illustrated with over 380 stunning, specially commissioned, full colour photographs, this is the first publication to identify and bring together many of the leading factories and designers, and examine the diverse influences behind these highly varied and innovative ceramics. A specially written, illustrated introduction puts them in context, and an extensive illustrated directory of marks and labels helps you identify your ceramics. Contents include: -Over 380 stunning, specially commissioned full colour photographs. - Chapters open with a detailed history of the factory or pottery including full biographical details of designers and their inspirations and influences. A ?Hallmark Design? box gives more details about their most iconic and successful design. - Chapters on Bagni, Bitossi & Aldo Londi, Bertoncello & Rigon, Desimone, Fratelli Fanciullacci, Fantoni, Fornasetti, Gambone, and potteries on San Marino including Libertas and Marmaca. - A chapter on other makers, including objects from Mancioli, La Freccia, Pucci, and the many factories in and around Florence and Deruta. - The book closes with an illustrated chapter of marks and labels, with pages dedicated to marks used by Bagni, Bitossi, Fratelli Fanciullacci, and distributors and importers such as Raymor and Rosenthal Netter