Art in the Ashtray

Michael Moretti
Posted: September 2, 2003

You may not want to ash your cigar in the "Darlings" collection ashtray, by Enzart Design. Featuring an artist's original design, painted on fine porcelain and detailed in platinum, it would almost be more appropriate to hang this ashtray on your wall.

Black and white figures at an upscale cocktail soiree mill around wine, wineglasses and each other in the base of the ashtray. Curious expressions and askew glances bounce among the exaggerated faces of the partygoers. Through the backdrop and trimming the edges, platinum stripes sparkle and streak over the white kaolin porcelain.

Enzina Fuschini, chief executive of Enzart Design, originally conceived the idea as a part of a design theme for a "black and white" charity ball in England, where the company is based. Each ashtray itself is individually cast, hand-finished and ornamented in Limoges, France. Sit back and admire it, but keep a second-hand receptacle nearby for your ashes.

The "Darling" collection ashtrays, which aren't carried by U.S. retail stores, are available by calling (011) (44) 01-202-700-005 or e-mailing studio@enzina.com. The large ashtrays retail from $239 to $249, and the small ashtrays, $100 to $110.