North African Ashtrays

What if our souls were the features on our faces? What if we could speak in feelings rather than words? Him and her side by side joined by senses and bound by thoughts. This tray s...

A round pished Egyptian tray in this style serves both as a functional item for serving drinks with grace and style, and as an exquisite decorative piece to adorn homes, showcasing the artistry and ctural heritage of Egypt and its surrounding regions. It is a testimony to the enduring beauty and craftsmanship that has been cherished for centuries, a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate admirers around the world. A pished North African Egyptian pished brass tray is a stunning piece of traditional craftsmanship that showcases the rich artistic heritage of the country. It is meticously handcrafted by skilled artisans who specialize in metalwork and imbue each tray with intricate designs and meticous attention to detail, inlaid with copper and silver metal with some Arabic writing. The tray typically features a circar or rectangar shape, with a slightly raised rim to prevent items from sliding off. The brass material is carefly worked to achieve a smooth and shiny surface, which is then pished to a lustrous finish, enhancing the natural beauty of the metal. One of the distinguishing features of a pished Middle Eastern Egyptian brass tray is its exquisite engraving and inlay work. The artisans skillfly carve intricate patterns, geometric motifs, or elaborate floral designs onto the surface of the tray. These designs are often inspired by traditional Egyptian architecture, Islamic art, or nature, and reflect the ctural and artistic influences of the region. A round pished Islamic metalwork, is a breathtaking example of the exquisite craftsmanship and artistic heritage of the region. Handcrafted with skillf precision, this tray showcases a harmonious blend of ctural influences, resting in a piece that is both visually captivating and historically significant.About Islamic Metalwork. Arabesques, a hallmark of Islamic art, are gracefly interwoven patterns that symbize the infinite and the interconnectedness of all creation. Calligraphy, featuring verses from the Quran or other religious or poetic texts, adds an element of spirituality and ctural significance to the design. Islamic brass metalwork, including brass trays, is an intricate and beautif form of art that originated in the Islamic world. It encompasses a wide range of decorative objects made from brass or other metals such as copper, bronze, and silver. Brass trays, in particar, are highly regarded for their craftsmanship and intricate designs. Islamic brass metalwork has a rich history that dates back to the early Islamic period, with its roots in the metalworking traditions of ancient civilizations such as the Persians, Greeks, and Romans. However, Islamic artisans developed their own unique styles and techniques, blending elements from various ctures and creating distinctive motifs that reflected Islamic aesthetics and religious beliefs. The process of creating brass trays invves several steps, each requiring specialized skills. Here is a general overview of the traditional techniques invved: 1) Design: A skilled artist or calligrapher creates the design for the brass tray. Islamic brass metalwork often incorporates intricate geometric patterns, arabesques, floral motifs, and calligraphy inspired by Quranic verses or poetry. 2) Metalworking: The tray is typically made from a sheet of brass or another metal. The metal is cut into the desired shape and then hammered or pressed to create the shallow depression of the tray. Traditional techniques such as repoussé (hammering from the reverse side) or chasing (hammering on the front side) may be employed to shape the metal. 3) Engraving: The surface of the tray is often decorated with intricate engravings or etchings. Skilled artisans use chisels, gravers, or other specialized tos to create fine details and elaborate patterns. 4) Filigree and Inlay: Some brass trays feature additional decorative elements such as filigree or inlay work. Filigree invves shaping thin wires of brass into delicate patterns and sdering them onto the tray's surface. Inlay work, on the other hand, invves embedding contrasting materials such as silver or copper into the brass, creating intricate designs. 5) Surface Treatment: After the main decorative work is complete, the tray may undergo surface treatments to enhance its appearance. This can include processes like pishing, buffing, or applying various chemical patinas to create an aged or oxidized effect. Throughout history, Islamic brass trays...

This is a pair of vintage Casablanca souk ashtrays. A North African, bronze tobacco dish, dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1940. Delightfully naive dishes with great colour and ...