You were the only one at the party who knew what this was. This is the iconic mid-century brass "party flower" ashtray, a sculptural centerpiece whose petals are fully removable to serve as individual personal ashtrays for each guest. The petals can also be inserted two different ways, sitting outward in full bloom or turned inward in a closed lotus position, giving it two completely different looks as pure decorative sculpture.
This style was enormously popular in Italy during the mid-century modern era, so much so that luxury houses including Gucci produced their own versions. This piece is attributed to Italian artist S. Agudo from the 1950s. Each petal is individually sculpted with ribbed detailing and a cigarette rest, the stem branches into veined leaves, and the whole thing carries a gorgeous naturally developed antique brass patina.
Equal parts functional artifact and sculptural statement. Display it open, closed, or pull the petals apart and hand them around. Either way, it commands the room.
- Vintage brass "party flower" ashtray, S. Agudo style, attributed 1950s Italy
- Individual petals are fully removable and each functions as a personal ashtray
- Petals insert two ways: open full bloom or closed lotus position
- Ribbed petal detail with cigarette rest on each petal
- Branching stem with two detailed veined leaves
- Rich antique brass patina with natural age and wear throughout
