Sascha Brastoff MCM Large Abstract Design Ceramic Cigar Ashtray-Signed - 13.5" L

Description

Signed Hand-Painted Sascha Brastoff Large Cigar Ashtray--Mid-Century Modern, California Pottery, Abstract Design
Description:
Sascha Brastoff was a mid-century, multi-faceted artist, reputed for the constantly evolving nature of his work, and for work that reflected his environment.  He initially grew up in Cleveland Ohio,  He had a Russian father and a Hungarian mother.  He changed his name from "Sam" to "Sascha" to reflect his background.
Mr. Brastoff was multi talented--as a ballet dancer, sculptor, Macy’s window designer, movie clothing designer, and jewelry maker.  He moved to California and started his own pottery business, which was initially financially backed by Winthrop B. Rockefeller.  He made a great number of pieces, in ceramic and other media, and with many designs, but all in his personal version of the "modernist" style that characterized "mid-century" design.
Mr. Brastoff's pottery business closed in 1973.   Pieces that are signed "Sascha B," as this piece is, were made from 1947 to 1953.
This piece was in my parents' home and must have been acquired between 1947 and 1953, because my mother never bought "used" or "old" things (and always criticized me for doing so!!).  Only my father smoked and he gave it up, so this piece did not get that much use.
This piece is the largest size of those I've seen.  It measures 13.75" long x 5.25" wide.
On the back, the number "08" might indicate the size and form.
The piece is of heavy ceramic, weighing 1 lb, 8 oz.
The signature
"Sascha B"
is on the front, but the company logo, often found on the back, is not on the back of this piece.
Mr. Brastoff's designs were very varied and mostly pictorial--including houses, pagodas, birds, horses, other animals, trees, Eskimos, etc.  In this case, the design is completely abstract.
The base color is ivory.
The abstract design is rendered in shades of light brown and light blue.  There is a light blue "wash" around the inside of the rim on the long sides.
Condition:
As we have displayed this piece, I always thought of it as perfect.  However, as I was preparing this listing and inspected it closely, I found a single hairline crack, just below the
"Sascha B"
signature.  It is in the surface--not through the piece.  This hairline shows in photos #5, #6, and #7--and almost blends in with the black lines in the design.  Then, when I went to wash the piece one more time, it slipped from my hands in the sink and it acquired a small, new corner chip.  I had to make one more photo, showing "my" chip, Photo #8.
Other than these two very small defects noted, the piece is in very good vintage condition.  There is no crazing, which is unusual for pottery pieces of this age.  And, the painting and glaze are in very good overall shape.
Shipping:
US/Domestic Buyers:
Because of its size, this piece happens to fit very well into one of the many cardboard shipping boxes that we have decided we should try to "recycle."  (This one is from an order we received of Texas salsas!)   Shipping to US addresses in USPS Zones 1 to 9 via
USPS Parcel Select Ground
(2 to 9 business days) ranges from .75 to .05.  Please check the
"Payments and Shipping"
page to determine your shipping cost.
Or, if you prefer, we can use
USPS Priority Medium Flat Rate Box
(2 to 5 business days), for .50.
If you wish us to ship to a PO, APO, or anything not in Zones 1 to 9, please message with your shipping address and we will obtain a shipping cost for you, before you purchase.
International Buyers:
If you are interested in buying this, please message us with your location and shipping method preferences, and we will obtain and send you a shipping cost.
Thanks for looking!