Ashtray

This mid-century Scandinavian ashtray, attributed to the design idiom of Kaj Franck and likely produced in Finland during the 1950s or 1960s, exemplifies a finely balanced blend of sculptural elegance and functional design. Though unsigned, the piece reflects the formal and material qualities commonly associated with Franck’s work, especially his exploration of utilitarian form, reduction of ornament, and the use of high-contrast material pairings.

The body of the ashtray is crafted from deep amethyst-colored glass with a thick, clear outer layer. The glass is mouth-blown, resulting in a smoothly contoured, leaf-shaped form with a soft, symmetrical taper and a slightly upturned rim. The coloration of the glass ranges from nearly opaque plum to translucent violet, with internal reflections adding considerable visual depth. The rim is polished to a high gloss, enhancing the optical contrast between the rich interior and the transparent outer edge.

At one end of the ashtray is a semicircular brass handle, which arcs upward and terminates in a curled wire-wrapped grip. The brass has aged to a warm patina, and the handle is mechanically affixed with a ball-jointed fitting, adding both decorative and functional value. This circular element counterbalances the elongated silhouette of the bowl, giving the design a sculptural quality. The wire wrapping not only serves as a grip but also introduces a subtle industrial accent, consistent with the mid-century material language of the period.

The design emphasizes the tension between the fluid, organic form of the glass and the rigidity of the machined brass, characteristic of Franck’s approach to design. The piece could serve as a tabletop accent, a functional ashtray, or even a sculptural bowl—blurring the lines between utility and art, which was central to Franck’s design philosophy.

Kaj Franck, one of Finland’s most influential modern designers, was a proponent of democratized design based on essential forms and durable materials. His work at Arabia, as artistic director, and his designs for Nuutajärvi and Iittala, led to the production of domestic glassware and ceramics renowned for their simplicity and purity of form. While this ashtray lacks a direct attribution, it evokes his design principles through its clarity of construction and purposeful attention to detail.

The dimensions of the ashtray are 18.5 cm in width, 9 cm in depth, and 9 cm in height (approximately 7.3 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches).

The condition is very good, with light surface wear on the brass and a well-preserved glass body free from chips or cracks. This piece stands as a refined example of Scandinavian decorative arts in the mid-century tradition.