Very Rare MCM Richard Saar 1950’s Pottery Catchall Ashtray

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Description

RARE MCM RICHARD SAAR CERAMIC CHARGER Ash Tray

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own such a fine specimen of … Read more RARE MCM RICHARD SAAR CERAMIC CHARGER Ash Tray

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own such a fine specimen of the celebrated primitive midcentury modern ceramicist Richard Saar's works of art! The piece is so rare that it’s not even featured on his website, though a similar figure appears on other pieces shown. One of Saar's characteristic primitive figures stands boldly in his iconic neutral tones amid a glossy black background, punctuated by three stylistic cigarette holders along the gently rounded edge of the tray. Rarely is this specific design seen on the marketplace, especially in such fine condition (never used as an ashtray). Saar's distinctive signature appears on the reverse. It's in amazing condition for its 72+ years of age with the slightest crazing, and a flea-sized nick between the top and lower left cigarette holder, and two 1/2 centimeter imperfections on the lower outer rim.

It was owned by a friend’s discerning mother, who collected mid-century modern Objet d’art. It sat as a decoration and was never used for seven decades.
Please review all photos carefully as they
serve as part of the condition description.
Size: approximately 6" circumference and 1” height.

About Richard Saar Ceramics:
Saar Ceramics studio operated from 1949 to 1962 in El Segundo, California, producing tableware, tiles, and figural sculptures with forms and glaze designs inspired by indigenous cultures, nature, and mid-century modern abstraction. Richard Saar (1924-2004) designed the forms and hand-painted the pieces, and his brother, William Saar, managed the business and assisted in the production. The American Museum of Ceramic Art organized a significant Saar Ceramics exhibition in 2018.

A very similar Saar ashtray sold on 1stDibs in 2025 for $650.00 as seen in the last photo. See less