Burl Walnut and Metal Ashtray, Italy, 1980s

This piece follows a classic Italian desk-ashtray format: a square base in fine wood, a removable brushed-metal tray, and integrated cigarette rests at each corner. Worth noting is the central cork stopper, mounted on a metal pivot, which lets the cigarette be extinguished without marking the tray. Made from solid burl walnut, with dense, continuous grain across all four faces of the base, and a silver-toned metal insert for the tray and four notches. Oil finish, an assembly technique typical of high-end Italian production in the 1980s, when fine wood was still paired with desk and living-room objects. Very good overall condition. Light surface patina on the wood, consistent with age. The central cork is intact, no cracks. No losses or chips on either the wood or the metal. From a private collection in Brescia, Italy. Dimensions: 19 cm wide, 4 cm high. Suited to a desk or bar tray: as an ashtray, naturally, but just as convincing as a catch-all.