Beck & Jung ashtrays

This pair of rare brass ashtrays belongs to the “Ultima” series designed by Holger Bäckström and Bo Ljungberg, the artist duo known as Beck & Jung. Produced in Denmark during the 1970s for Diverse Ting in Malmö, Sweden, these pieces exemplify a Scandinavian brutalist design language that merges utility with sculptural form.

Each ashtray is cast from solid brass and features a square base and a removable lid, both adorned with a regular grid of deep circular recesses. The surfaces exhibit a rich patina characterized by oxidation marks, discoloration, and a mottled texture that enhance their visual weight and character. The machined indentations on the lids serve as cigarette rests, while the hollow interior functions as a receptacle for ash.

The modular, block-like construction and repetitive geometry draw inspiration from industrial tooling, reflecting brutalism’s emphasis on material honesty and mass-produced form. Despite their minimalist outlines, the pieces reveal complexity through the interplay of light, shadow, and the natural aging of the brass surfaces.

Beck & Jung were active in art, design, and technology, often investigating the relationship between conceptual form and emerging digital aesthetics. These ashtrays, while practical, embody their broader explorations of pattern, structure, and modular systems.

The pair is in good vintage condition, showing oxidation and wear consistent with age. The patina varies across the surfaces, featuring greenish and darkened areas that contribute to the distinctive brutalist character.

Each ashtray measures 7 cm in width, 7 cm in depth, and 6.5 cm in height, approximately 2.8 x 2.8 x 2.6 inches. This set offers a compelling example of functional design elevated through materiality and form.