Ash tray with an ornamental border with medallions c. 1900 - 1915

This ashtray with ornamental borders and medallions was crafted by the Königliche Porzellan Manufaktur. The ashtray captivates with its purity of form, emphasizing the smooth, reflective surface of the porcelain. The circular composition is segmented by curvilinear lines. These golden lines create medallions framing small, ornate red designs which are evenly spaced. The interior is coated with a subtle green glaze. The ashtray could be seen as deconstructing traditional notions of utility. Here, function meets aesthetics, questioning the boundaries between the practical and the ornamental. The piece invites us to reconsider the semiotics of everyday objects. Notice how the formal elements work in harmony to create a sense of understated luxury. The visual codes at play elevate a mundane object to the realm of high art, illustrating how formalism can uncover deeper meanings in even the simplest forms.