Gordon and Jane Martz were prominent designers and creators of simple, elegant, handcrafted ceramic goods. Their vintage mid-century modern designs for table lamps, floor lamps, chandeliers and pendants are daring but relaxed and make for versatile additions to any space.
Jane Martz’s grandmother established the family-owned American lampshades company Marshall Studios in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1922. Jessie “Muz” Marshall produced hand-painted lampshades out of her home, then expanded to include lamp bases made of wood. The business later moved to Veedersburg. After studying at New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, Gordon and Jane joined the company in the early 1950s and stepped in to run Marshall Studios after it had been managed by Jane’s parents. Gordon and Jane instilled the brand with fresh energy and new ideas. They introduced innovative modernist stoneware lamps, decorative accessories and more that became immediately popular with new homeowners of the era. Later, there was a return to lamp bases made solely of wood, and floor lamps, bookends and tables with tile tops appeared in the company catalogs.
The Marshall Studios M101 lamp was featured in the Museum of Modern Art’s “Good Design” exhibit in 1953, which also featured the work of other mid-century luminaries such as Jens Risom, Paul McCobb, George Nelson and more.
Gordon and Jane explored color and texture at the company during the 1950s and ‘60s and continued the rich legacy of craftsmanship for which Marshall Studios had become known. The manufacturer secured government contracts and their works were featured in Interiors magazine. Etchings and other decoration continued to be done by hand, and Jane eventually also took an interest in the fabric and textiles used to hand-cover the paper shades, producing a complementary line of hand-woven pillows and other goods.
Find vintage Gordon and Jane Martz lighting, tables and ceramics on 1stDibs.
Martz Blue Ceramic Catchall Ashtray
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Miami, FL
Baby blue glazed stoneware ashtray designed by Gordon & Jane Martz for Marshall Studios. The rarely found model CN notched ashtray features a matte glaze in their gorgeous light blue...
Ceramic, Pottery
$360
H 2.36 in W 5.51 in D 5.11 in
1960s Mid-century Blue Ashtray or Catchall in Bullicante Murano Glass by Flavio
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s This blue ashtray/catchall is a stunning example of Mid-Century Modern Italian glassmaking, sculptural bowl/ashtray was designed by the legendary Flavio Poli . This piece featu...
Murano Glass
Jacques Adnet Standing Ashtray / Catchall
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Jacques Adnet standing ashtray in black leather with signature contrast stitching and iron tripod base Beautiful black ceramic astray and signature bamboo stem. France, 1940s
Iron
Archimede Seguso Italian Murano Glass Ashtray or Catchall
By Archimede Seguso
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Murano blue and purple opalescent Italian art glass vanity perfume bottle By Archimede Seguso Italy, Circa 1970s Measures: 1.5"W x 1.5"D x 6"H. Very good original vint...
Murano Glass
$350
H 3.5 in W 14 in D 8.5 in
Monumental Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Malachite Look Green Ashtray or Catchall
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A monumental malachite look ceramic ashtray. Created from ceramic, this beautiful piece is enormous! It will be fabulous on a nightstand or coffee table used as a catchall or trinket...
Ceramic, Paint
Vintage Asian Style Porcelain Octagonal Ashtray Dish Catchall
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage 1950s Asian style dish, ashtray, catchall. Large vintage ornamental hand painted Chinoiserie porcelain tray/catchall with clipped edges. Hand pa...
Porcelain
Greek Goddess Aphrodite Classical Greek Style Ceramic Ashtray or Catchall
Located in New York, NY
A ceramic ashtray or vide-poche catch-all with Greek Goddess, Aphroditie, in the classical Greek style, circa mid-20th century, Greece. Piece is ...
Ceramic
$1,150
H 1.75 in W 10.75 in D 7.25 in
Bitossi Italy for Raymor Ceramic and Glass Mosaic Ashtray, Catchall Mid Century
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Outstanding 1960s Aldo Londi for Bitossi ceramic catchall or cigar ashtray. Imported and distributed in the United States by Raymor of New York. Featuring a large-scale low centerpiece bowl...
Ceramic, Art Glass
Postmodern Bent Glass Ashtray Bowl Catchall, 1990s
Located in New York, NY
A transparent bent glass ashtray or bowl/catchall, Modern style or Postmodern period, circa late-20th century, late 1990s to early 2000s. Two indents at top. Excellent condition as s...
Glass
Italian Mid Century Aged Brass & Leather Catchall Ashtray
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian aged brass & leather ashtray Italy, circa 1950s This handsome piece will be a great addition to any surface Saddle leather band encompasses the aged brass ashtray Light surface markings Patina from age and use This listing is for a single ashtray...
Brass
English Art Deco Silverplate Ashtray or Catchall Tray
By Tiffany & Co., William Suckling Ltd.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Art Deco silverplate ashtray or catchall tray In the manner of Tiffany & Co. By William Suckling England, Early 20th Century Measures: 3.5"W x 3.5"D x 1"H. Ve...
Silver Plate
Italian Bitossi Netter Attri. Ashtray Catchall Yellow
By Rosenthal Netter, Bitossi
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful yellow glazed terracotta ashtray catchall vide-poche, circa mid-20th century, Italy. Great as its intended use (appears to have never been used), decorative object, catch...
Terracotta
Art Deco Black Marble Ashtray Catchall Vide-Poche
Located in New York, NY
A substantial English black marble ashtray or catchall vide-poche, circa early to mid-20th century, England. Piece is predominantly jet black with traces of light gray, as shown. Great for its indented use, for tobacco products, cigarettes, cigars, etc., or as a catchall vide-poche for coin change, jewelry...
Stone, Marble