Designer Ashtray Appraisal

Midcentury Ceramic Ashtray with Hagemann Signature

The item is a square-shaped ceramic ashtray with softly rounded corners and a shallow, functional design. Approximately moderate in size, its primary material appears to be unglazed stoneware or earthenware. The exterior body and rim exhibit a rustic, earthy brown-to-tan coloration with a visible speckled texture, characteristic of natural clay. In sharp contrast, the central, recessed square area is finished with a smooth, lighter-toned glaze, possibly a muted off-white or light grey, providing a functional and aesthetically distinct basin. A clear, handwritten signature, resembling "Hagemann," is boldly inscribed in black within this glazed central depression, identifying the artisan. One of the outer edges features a broad, shallow notch, typical for resting cigarettes or other small items. The piece displays condition issues commensurate with its age and intended use; notably, there are visible chips and minor cracks on at least one of the unglazed rounded corners, and general wear and slight discoloration are present along the unglazed edges. The overall form and material suggest a piece of studio pottery, reflecting the common midcentury aesthetic that merged utilitarian objects with art. Its handmade quality, evidenced by slight irregularities and the applied signature, speaks to individual craftsmanship rather than mass production. This ashtray embodies a period where functional items were also considered expressive works.