Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the cube ashtray you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each cube ashtray for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using
metal,
glass and
aluminum. Find 11 options for an antique or vintage cube ashtray now, or shop our selection of 5 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer cube ashtray, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right cube ashtray, those designed in
mid-century modern,
modern and
Scandinavian Modern styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made cube ashtray over the years, but those crafted by
Danese Milano,
Bruno Munari and
Flavio Poli are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
Once a near-universal tabletop accessory, many antique, new and vintage ashtrays have taken on an entirely new purpose in today’s homes.
Whereas these formerly ubiquitous objects were associated with smoking, drinking, gambling and other vices, a well-designed and interesting ashtray is a candy dish, coaster or cocktail garnish receptacle in today’s interiors. But don’t discount its initial function. Amid your carefully curated coastal chic California decor, for example, a stone ashtray can help you manage the ashes that accumulate while you’re burning your morning incense. Old glass ashtrays, which are quite popular and easily found in free-form, organic shapes, can be a purely decorative final touch when styling a coffee table, whether you’ve filled it with wrapped lemon-drop candies or not.
In the postwar years, the democratization of luxury led to an explosion in the number of well-designed ashtrays, and there are many mid-century modern ashtrays to choose from on 1stDibs. (It’s no coincidence that sculptor Isamu Noguchi devised his “Dymaxion” version, which he hoped would make him rich, in 1945. Alas, it turned out to be too difficult to mass-produce.) The design collection of the Museum of Modern Art includes ashtrays by Carlo Scarpa (Murano glass, 1950–59); Achille Castiglioni (stainless steel with spring-like inserts, 1970); Masayuki Kurokawa (rubber and steel, 1973) and more. Smoking declined in popularity in the 1970s and ’80s, after the surgeon general’s warning began appearing on cigarette packs, but designers were still crafting ashtrays through the end of the century (especially outside the United States).
On 1stDibs, browse a collection of antique, new and vintage ashtrays that includes everything from modern and minimalist cigar ashtrays to outwardly ornate Art Deco ashtrays that evoke the opulence and elegance of the 1920s.