Crystal Ashtray from Fontana Arte, Italy, 1950s

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Description

Made in Italy in the 1950s by the renowned Fontana Arte manufacturer, this extraordinary solid crystal ashtray represents one of … Read more Made in Italy in the 1950s by the renowned Fontana Arte manufacturer, this extraordinary solid crystal ashtray represents one of the most emblematic examples of the technical mastery and poetic use of light that have made the Milanese company's production unique.
Crafted entirely from a single block of hand-sculpted and polished crystal, the object stands out for its refined alternation between the soft, smooth surfaces of the central section and the irregular, chiseled edges, which create an iridescent refraction effect.
The light, captured and reflected by the material, shapes the volume like a living sculpture, capable of continually transforming depending on the incidence of light.
The aesthetic language is that of Fontana Arte in the 1950s, a period in which research into crystal was elevated to an art form through complex, manual processes. The ashtray reflects the stylistic legacy of Pietro Chiesa, founder of the glassworks, and at the same time anticipates the more dynamic formal tensions introduced by Max Ingrand, who took over the artistic direction in the following decade.
More than a simple object, this creation is a luminous micro-sculpture, where the material itself becomes architecture. The density and transparency of the crystal, combined with the precision of the cut, convey the image of Italian design poised between functionality and lyricism, between applied art and sculptural gesture.
A work of great elegance and visual power, a symbol of the artisanal excellence and design thinking that made Fontana Arte one of the most important names in twentieth-century design.
In excellent condition, with minimal signs of aging consistent with its age.

Product Name: Fontana Arte Italia Solid Crystal Ashtray, 1950s
Designer: Pietro Chiesa; In line with the research that anticipated the artistic language of Max Ingrand
Year of Design: 1950s
Style: Post-war Italian design, luminous crystal sculpture
Main Materials: Solid crystal, hand-sculpted and polished from a single block
Distinctive Design: Alternating soft, smooth central surfaces with irregular, chiseled edges; a complex interplay of refractions transforms the volume into a luminous micro-sculpture
Dimensions: Length 22.5 cm | Width 16 cm | Height 3 cm
Typical Use: Ashtray/tabletop sculpture; perfect as a decorative element in elegant interiors, consoles, desks, bookcases, or coffee tables
Design Icon: A prime example of Fontana Arte's technical mastery in the 1950s, a symbol of the artisanal excellence and poetics of light that characterized the company
Versatility: Can be used as an ashtray, a coin tray, or a sculptural object; It complements classic, modernist, and contemporary interiors thanks to the material purity of crystal.
Current Design Condition: Excellent condition, with minimal signs of aging consistent with its age.
Additional Notes: Please note that this item is in excellent vintage condition. Minor signs of aging may be present, but these do not affect its functionality. Please consider these characteristics before purchasing.
I have official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs,
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