Ashtray

MakerMade by Onondaga Pottery Company (American, 1871 - 1966)

Original OwnerOriginally owned by Statler Hotel (American, founded 1955)

Dateabout 1960

MediumMachine-molded porcelain with yellow glaze, blue enamel, and gilding

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x diameter): 2 1/2 x 5 1/2in. (6.4 x 14cm)

ClassificationsCeramics

Credit LineMuseum purchase

Object number1999.48.6

DescriptionWhite, round, heavy porcelain with a yellow glaze, gilding, and blue enamel. The ashtray is round, with a relatively narrow rim and a flat surface to catch the ashes. On one side of the rim, a 1 1/2-inch-tall, rectangular, hollow piece of ceramic sticks up from the rim. All of the top surfaces of the ashtray are covered with a bright yellow, almost neon, enamel. The side of the rectangular protrusion facing the ashtray has a rectangular area of blue enamel with an "S" cut out to reveal the yellow enamel below. This area is surrounded by gilded, classical decorations, with an urn above that supports two swags that dip down to either side of the motif. Both the top rim of the rectangular protrusion and the outer edge of the rim on the circular part of the ashtray were once gilded. At this time, only minimal amounts of gilding remain. The rims on the ashtray have accumulated spots of black dirt.

NotesHistorical Note: The 1956 Hartford City Directory lists the Statler Hotel at the corner of Ford and Pearl Streets, facing Bushnell Park. The Statler was part of the Hilton Hotel chain, and it opened in Fall 1955. It was eventually closed, and the building was imploded in 1990.

Status

Not on view