Pair of Italian Hammered Brass Ashtrays, 1960s

Italy, 1960s. Hand-hammered brass gave Italian smoking accessories a discreet, warm presence, far from the coldness of industrial metal. This pair of square ashtrays is a fine illustration of it. Each ashtray, in solid brass with gently waved edges, hollows out a square well framed by a broad flat rim, notched with four cigarette rests. The two pieces come in two sizes, one larger and one more compact, and complement each other as a duo. The underside bears a small diamond-shaped mark. Good condition of use: the brass has taken on an aged patina, with a few oxidation spots in the wells and small irregularities from the hammering, with no dents or deformation. The piece feels made by hand rather than by factory, and it shows. At 14 cm and 11 cm square by 1.5 cm high, these ashtrays sit on a coffee table or desk, together or apart, as ashtrays or catch-alls. A discreet, patinated duo of great sobriety.