Beck & Jung attrib. ashtray

This ashtray is made of solid brass and attributed to the Swedish artist duo Holger Bäckström and Bo Ljungberg, who collaborated under the name Beck & Jung. The object is executed with a rectilinear body and a removable lid featuring a grid of repetitive circular recesses set within an architectural relief. The pattern is highly geometric and sculptural, providing both a functional surface for resting cigarettes and a decorative, brutalist expression. The brass surface has developed a warm patina, consistent with age and careful use, and the piece remains in excellent condition.

Holger Bäckström (1939–1997) and Bo Ljungberg (1939–2007) were prominent Swedish artists who began collaborating in the early 1960s. Together as Beck & Jung, they became known for their experimental approach to form and structure, producing works in various media, including painting, sculpture, and computer-generated art. Their design objects share the same conceptual rigor and interest in repetition, modularity, and industrial materiality. By transferring visual strategies from their artistic practice into functional design, they created objects that blur the boundary between art and utility.

This ashtray was produced in Sweden during a period when Scandinavian designers were experimenting with brutalist principles. The use of solid brass not only lends the piece a substantial weight but also reinforces its architectural character, with the recessed patterning evoking structural modules. Objects such as this were conceived not only as functional accessories but also as sculptural presences in interiors, reflecting the period’s tendency to elevate everyday items through bold design language.

The condition of the piece is excellent, with a preserved surface that displays natural tonal variations and signs of gentle patination. These qualities enhance the depth of the brass and attest to the authenticity and age of the object.

Dimensions: 13.5 cm x 13.5 cm x 4.5 cm (5.3 in x 5.3 in x 1.8 in).