Vintage Floor Ashtray in Brass, Wood and Black Metal

• item. floor ashtray, standing ashtray
• period. mid 20th century
• style. mid century modern
• materials. brass, wood, painted metal
• color. brass, brown, black
• dimensions (cm). 18 × 18 × 55 H
• features. raised circular ashtray with integrated cigarette rests; triangular lower shelf
• condition. original vintage condition with naturally developed patina, surface wear, marks and areas of oxidation consistent with age and use. the piece also presents some deformation and irregularities to the metal elements, visible in the photographs. structurally functional.
• reference. 2098

DESIGN CONTEXT

This vintage floor ashtray is an unusually sculptural interpretation of an object once designed to form part of the domestic interior rather than simply sit on a table. Its extremely slender structure combines three black metal legs with a circular upper body in wood and an aged brass ashtray, creating a striking contrast between materials and proportions.

The recessed brass bowl incorporates two articulated cigarette rests across its upper edge, while the wooden surround adds warmth to the otherwise graphic metal construction. Below, a triangular wooden shelf connects the three legs and introduces a second geometric plane into the composition. Originally functional, this lower level can also accommodate a small decorative object or plant.

At 55 cm high and only 18 cm wide, the piece occupies very little floor space while retaining a remarkably strong vertical presence. The contrast between black metal, dark wood and aged brass gives it a refined mid-century character. Wear, oxidation, irregularities and the rich patina accumulated over time remain visible, together with some deformation to the metal elements. These traces are an integral part of the object’s vintage character and history.