Beck & Jung ashtray

This small sculptural brass ashtray from the Ultima series was designed by the Swedish artist duo Holger Bäckström and Bo Ljungberg, known collectively as Beck & Jung. Manufactured in Denmark for Diverse Ting, a design-focused gallery and shop in Malmö, Sweden, the piece embodies a Scandinavian postmodern aesthetic that blends functional object design with systematic abstraction and surface modulation.

Cast in solid brass, the ashtray features a square form with a removable lid. The lid presents a bold relief pattern composed of alternating peaks and voids arranged in a symmetrical 2×2 grid, producing a wavelike surface that includes four recessed circular rests for ash. This relief echoes industrial tooling patterns and investigates optical rhythm through depth and repetition. The solid, unadorned box base serves to emphasize the sculptural quality of the lid. Over time, the piece has developed a deep natural patina with areas of oxidation, particularly within the recessed voids, creating rich textural and tonal contrasts.

Holger Bäckström (1939–1997) and Bo Ljungberg (1942–2007) were pioneers in integrating computer-generated imagery into Swedish art during the late 1960s and 1970s. Their fascination with algorithmic aesthetics and geometric abstraction naturally extended into object design through collaborations such as this. The Ultima series transforms the visual patterns of their art into tactile surfaces, positioning everyday objects within a larger conceptual framework.

The ashtray measures 6.5 centimeters in width and depth, and 5 centimeters in height (approximately 2.6 x 2.6 x 2 inches).