Preliminary identification

Mid-Century Modern Southwestern-Style Ceramic Ashtray

Photo reference

4 uploaded photos

Overview

A striking ceramic ashtray featuring a high-gloss cobalt blue interior contrasted against a matte, textured terracotta exterior.

Story

Post-war America saw a massive boom in 'Roadside Americana' as families took to the newly built interstate highways to explore the Southwest. This piece is a classic example of the 'souvenir' art movement, where ancient indigenous aesthetics were adapted into…

Maker / Origin

While this piece lacks a formal maker's mark, it is consistent with the output of regional workshops in Arizona or California that specialized in 'tourist ware.'

Condition & Value

The piece appears to be in good vintage condition with no visible cracks or major chips. There is some light wear to the hand-painted black and red pigments on the exterior, and a remnant of a paper label on the base which could be carefully removed. The interior glaze remains bright and reflective.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.

Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD