Arts And Crafts Ashtray Appraisal

Handmade Dark Blue Ceramic Ashtray

This item is a small, hand-formed ceramic ashtray, distinctively crafted with an irregular, organic shape. It is primarily dark blue, possibly a navy or slate blue, with a glossy, somewhat speckled finish that suggests an applied glaze or paint. The material appears to be a heavy ceramic or pottery, possibly stoneware, giving it a robust feel. Its construction is visibly handmade, indicated by the uneven rim and the slight asymmetry of its form. The ashtray features multiple indentations or 'rests' along its rim, designed to hold cigars or cigarettes. There are also several small, circular cut-outs or holes around the exterior edge of the body, which could be purely decorative or serve some functional purpose, although not immediately obvious from the image. The interior of the ashtray is a deep, uniform dark blue, contrasting slightly with the more textured exterior. Condition-wise, there are visible signs of wear and tear. Several areas, particularly on the interior upper rim and the exterior surface, show chipping and flaking of the dark blue coating, revealing a lighter, possibly pinkish or reddish-brown base material underneath. This suggests that the blue is a surface treatment rather than the natural color of the clay. The overall finish appears somewhat dull and dusty, indicating use and possibly a lack of recent cleaning. The craftsmanship appears to be folk art or hobbyist level rather than mass-produced, with slight imperfections in symmetry and finish adding to its unique charm. There are no discernible maker's marks, signatures, or stamps visible in the provided images. Given its handmade nature, it's difficult to pinpoint an exact style period, but it could range from mid-20th century to contemporary, likely a decorative or functional object from a small-scale artisan.