Art Deco ashtray, blue crystal, Bohemia Moser, Czechoslovakia, 1930s

Art Deco ashtray from the 1930s, made of faceted crystal in a deep cobalt blue shade, is an example of craftsmanship from the Moser factory in Karlovy Vary (now Czech Republic). The design is based on an octagonal, expressive form, with walls cut into regular, decorative facets – typical for the Art Deco era's geometric style. Thick, smooth glass with a mirror-like shine serves as both structure and decoration; the whole is complemented by three evenly spaced cigarette notches on the edge. The use of massive crystal guarantees stability and durability, while the restrained decoration emphasizes the role of colour and light in defining the character of the object. No additional elements such as other decorations or colours are present – the entire expression relies on precise cutting and the nobility of the material. Preserved in very good condition – no chips, scratches, or signs of restoration, the surface is smooth and authentic. This ashtray tells the story of an era when both architecture and everyday objects were meant to manifest modernity through symmetry, clarity of construction, and the celebration of noble materials. Its geometric form and deep shade recall the cool gleam of neon lights and the sophisticated interiors of interwar salons. The play of light on the cuts introduces rhythmic reflections into the space, each different depending on the angle of the rays – as if the object is immersed in the unhurried elegance of the 1930s. The bowl can be displayed on an oak console or coffee table in the living room – as a soloist among single ceramic or brass accents. It can be combined with furniture from the 1920s and 1930s in the Art Deco style, but also with modern geometric forms to highlight its compactness and vivid colour. It will work as a detail in vintage collector's interiors or as a strong contrasting point in a minimalist, subdued arrangement.