Hand-carved from a single block of alabaster, this large ashtray was made in Italy in the 1930s and belongs to the Egyptian revival school that flourished within art deco design. Its form—a reclining Pharaoh's head and shoulders—has been sculpted with attention to both geometry and historical reference, featuring warm ivory tones typical of alabaster, interlaced with subtle light brown and ochre veins and inclusions that create a naturally variegated surface. The finish is predominantly matte, with faint satin sheen on the Pharaoh's facial features revealing gentle hand-polishing, while the base and sides remain rougher and more rugged, evoking quarried stone. Stepped sides and monumental contours reinforce the allusions to ancient monuments. The ash collecting bowl, integrated into the chest, bears traces of gentle patina and yellowish discoloration consistent with age; edges have intentionally irregular finishing and minor chips for an artifact-like authenticity. Overall, the piece is in very good vintage condition: structurally sound, with no visible cracks or significant damage, retaining its original, unrefurbished character. This ashtray captures the spirit of an era when European design looked to distant antiquity for inspiration, echoing the allure of archaeological discoveries and pharaonic mystique. The Pharaoh, carved in alabaster, speaks silently of grandeur and time—a miniature monument bridging modern luxury with ancient ritual. Its textures evoke a dialogue between refinement and raw materiality, as if longing to preserve the noble gravitas of a lost civilization. This object would work especially well in a collector’s living room or on a walnut side table beside glass or brass deco lamps, perhaps accompanied by books on ancient art. The warm alabaster can be
DIMENSION
Height17 cm
Depth28 cm
Width12 cm
Dimension details
Width12 cm
Height17 cm
Depth28 cm
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