Designer: Walter Bosse (1904 - 1979)

Item: Set of Suits Ashtrays

Manufactured by: Walter Bosse

Country of origin: West Germany

Year made: 1960s

Materials: Patinated and polished brass

Dimensions: Each is approximately

Condition: Very good.  It is hard to tell how much of the green patination is a result exposure to the environment and how much was applied, but the surface does not have any damage that one would expect with corrosion.  The green patination does not appear on the polished edges, which leads us to believe the green was applied and intentional.  

References: Schreyer-Hartmann, Cherica, Walter Bosse: Leben, Kunst und Handwerk 1904-1979. Vienna: Brandstätter, 2000.

Description:  A rare set of modernist designed patinated brass ashtrays for each suit in a deck of cards; heart, diamond, spade and club.  Signed “Made in West Germany” on bottom of each as was customary for Bosse works cast in West Germany in the 1960s.