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Space Age Ashtrays

SPACE AGE STYLE

Vintage Space Age furniture captured post–World War II optimism with swooping shapes, bowed lines and experimentation with new materials including plastic and fiberglass.

From the launch of the Sputnik 1 satellite in 1957 to the landing of Apollo 11 astronauts on the moon in 1969, the space race between the Soviet Union and the United States propelled advancements in technology that transformed culture. Space Age design encompassed fashion, architecture, cars, furniture and objects for the home, bringing wonder and hope for the future into everyday life.

Coinciding with Pop art, Space Age style featured bold colors and forms. Eero Aarnio’s Ball chair, which debuted in 1966, used molded fiberglass for a capsule-like space while Verner Panton’s 1959 Panton chair was a single piece of molded plastic for a gravity-defying S shape. Red versions of Olivier Mourgue’s 1964 Djinn chair were futuristic enough to appear on the space station in Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Today, Joe Colombo is revered as a master of modern Italian design thanks to the provocative modular furniture pieces he created, such as the Tube chair and the Elda armchair, both of which embody the future-forward spirit of the Space Age.

The Space Age spirit extended to home building too. The futuristic Case Study Houses, which were designed by the likes of Pierre Koenig, Charles and Ray Eames, Richard Neutra and Whitney R. Smith, are considered a high point of modernism and the Southern California lifestyle.

Sometimes the nods to space exploration were more literal, like moon and star motifs or the 1965 Eclisse lamp by Vico Magistretti that saw the mid-century Italian designer integrating a movable inner shade to “eclipse” the light source. Alongside the pioneering moon missions, JVC manufactured the Videosphere portable television reminiscent of the Apollo 11 space helmets.

Although the style faded in the 1970s — with the 1975 joining of the Apollo and Soyuz spacecrafts signaling a new era of cooperation and the global oil crisis impacting the availability of plastics — the era’s innovations influenced designers into the 21st century such as Zaha Hadid and Djivan Schapira.

Find a collection of vintage Space Age seating, tables, lighting and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Space Age
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Ashtray, Glossy Orange, USA, 1960
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Ashtray, Glossy Orange, USA, 1960

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Ashtray, Glossy Orange, USA, 1960

Located in Toronto, CA

A bold and sculptural Mid-Century Modern ceramic ashtray in a striking glossy orange glaze, marked USA on the base. With its rounded organic form, recessed center, and angular notche...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Ceramic

Space age yellow ceramic ashtray, Viba Italy 1970s
Space age yellow ceramic ashtray, Viba Italy 1970s

Space age yellow ceramic ashtray, Viba Italy 1970s

Located in Firenze, IT

Space age yellow ceramic ashtray Viba Italy 1970s H: 11.5 cm - 20 cm diam. Labelled on the base Conditions: excellent, no defects

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Ceramic

Brown Metal and Plexiglass Self-standing Industrial Floor Ashtray, 1970s, Italy
Brown Metal and Plexiglass Self-standing Industrial Floor Ashtray, 1970s, Italy

Brown Metal and Plexiglass Self-standing Industrial Floor Ashtray, 1970s, Italy

Located in Hagenbach, DE

Brown Metal and Plexiglass Self-standing Industrial Floor Ashtray, 1970s, Italy Measuretements : Height: 52 cm Ashtray cup diameter: 11 cm Please do not hesitate to ask us if you...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Metal

Italian space age round chromed metal ashtray, 1970s
Italian space age round chromed metal ashtray, 1970s

Italian space age round chromed metal ashtray, 1970s

Located in MIlano, IT

Round ashtray, entirely in chromed steel, with fabric padding on the support part. Good conditions. 1970s Measurements in cm 13p x 2h Beautiful ashtray with a rounded shape, with a b...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Metal

Striking "Atomic Orb" Art Glass Ashtray in Ruby Red by Viking Glass
Striking "Atomic Orb" Art Glass Ashtray in Ruby Red by Viking Glass

Striking "Atomic Orb" Art Glass Ashtray in Ruby Red by Viking Glass

By Viking Glass Company

Located in San Diego, CA

Striking "Atomic Orb" art glass ashtray in ruby red by Viking Glass, circa 1960s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 6"D x 5"H. Great ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Art Glass

Roberto Rigon, Space age red ceramic ashtray, Bertoncello Italy ca. 1970
Roberto Rigon, Space age red ceramic ashtray, Bertoncello Italy ca. 1970

Roberto Rigon, Space age red ceramic ashtray, Bertoncello Italy ca. 1970

By Bertoncello

Located in Firenze, IT

Space age red ceramic ashtray designed by Roberto Rigon Bertoncello Italy ca. 1970 H 12 cm - 22 x 22 cm Conditions: very good consistent with age and use. Small chip, check the pi...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-century green ceramic ashtray, Sicart Italy 1969
Mid-century green ceramic ashtray, Sicart Italy 1969

Mid-century green ceramic ashtray, Sicart Italy 1969

By Sicart

Located in Firenze, IT

Midcentury green ceramic ashtray Sicart 1969s Italy H: 6 cm Diam. 15.5cm Labeled on the base. Conditions: excellent consistent with age and use.

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Ceramic

Space age red ceramic ashtray, Studio Opi, Gabbianelli Italy ca. 1970
Space age red ceramic ashtray, Studio Opi, Gabbianelli Italy ca. 1970

Space age red ceramic ashtray, Studio Opi, Gabbianelli Italy ca. 1970

By Gabbianelli

Located in Firenze, IT

Space age red ceramic ashtray Studio Opi, Gabbianelli Italy ca. 1970 Marked under the base H 9.5 cm - 24 × 24 cm Conditions: very good consistent with age and use.

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Ceramic

Space age clear lucite ashtray, Italy 1970s
Space age clear lucite ashtray, Italy 1970s

Space age clear lucite ashtray, Italy 1970s

Located in Firenze, IT

Space age clear lucite ashtray Italian manufacture 1970s lucite, aluminum H 9.5 × 9 × 9 cm Conditions: excellent consistent with age and use. Small stain on the top

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Metal

Murano 1950, Italian
Murano 1950, Italian

Murano 1950, Italian

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Murano. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'V...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Murano Glass

Space age clear lucite table lighter, Italy 1970s
Space age clear lucite table lighter, Italy 1970s

Space age clear lucite table lighter, Italy 1970s

Located in Firenze, IT

Space age clear lucite table lighter, Italian manufacture 1970s H 11 × 11 × 5 cm Conditions: excellent consistent with age and use. In working conditions.

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Lucite

Red and Black Metal Floor Ashtray with Arc Foots, 1970s, Italy
Red and Black Metal Floor Ashtray with Arc Foots, 1970s, Italy

Red and Black Metal Floor Ashtray with Arc Foots, 1970s, Italy

Located in Hagenbach, DE

Red and Black Metal Floor Ashtray with Arc Foots, 1970s, Italy Measurements : Height: 61 cm Ashtray diameter and height: 11 cm and 7 cm Base diameter: 15 cm x 19 cmHeight: 52 cm Ash...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Metal

Italian Space Age Orange Metal Cylindrical Industrial Ashtray, 1970s, Italy
Italian Space Age Orange Metal Cylindrical Industrial Ashtray, 1970s, Italy

Italian Space Age Orange Metal Cylindrical Industrial Ashtray, 1970s, Italy

Located in Hagenbach, DE

Italian Space Age Orange Metal Cylindrical Industrial Ashtray, 1970s, Italy Measurements : Height: 56 cm Body diameter: 10 cm Base diameter: 15 cm Please do not hesitate to ask us...

Category

1970s Vintage Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Metal

Space age lucite conical smoking set, Italy 1970
Space age lucite conical smoking set, Italy 1970

Space age lucite conical smoking set, Italy 1970

Located in Firenze, IT

Space age lucite conical smoking set Italy 1970 Ashtray, table lighter, vide poche H 21 cm - diam. 21 cm Conditions: good consistent with age and...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Plexiglass

German Space Age black plastic ashtrays by Walter Zeischegg for Helit, 1970s
German Space Age black plastic ashtrays by Walter Zeischegg for Helit, 1970s

German Space Age black plastic ashtrays by Walter Zeischegg for Helit, 1970s

Located in MIlano, IT

German Space Age black plastic ashtrays by Walter Zeischegg for Helit, 1970s Set of three wavy-shaped round table ashtrays with thick-profile, in black plastic. They can be stacked. ...

Category

1970s German Vintage Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Plastic

Space age cream ceramic ashtray, Sicart Italy 1970s
Space age cream ceramic ashtray, Sicart Italy 1970s

Space age cream ceramic ashtray, Sicart Italy 1970s

Located in Firenze, IT

Space age cream ceramic ashtray Sicart Italy 1970s 18 cm dia. x 6 cm h Conditions: good consistent with age and use

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Ceramic

Space Age Garden or Patio Ashtray done in Orange Plastic, Italy 1970s
Space Age Garden or Patio Ashtray done in Orange Plastic, Italy 1970s

Space Age Garden or Patio Ashtray done in Orange Plastic, Italy 1970s

Located in Beograd, RS

In this listing you will find a rare Space Age Ashtray done in orange plastic or acrylic. Clean, simple lines and the vibrant color of this piece are typical symbols of the Space Age...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Plastic

Ashtray  1950 Crystal
Ashtray  1950 Crystal

Ashtray 1950 Crystal

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Crystal We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads ...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Crystal

Crystal 1950, Italian
Crystal 1950, Italian

Crystal 1950, Italian

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Crystal We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'V...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Crystal

Ashtray Crystal, 1950
Ashtray Crystal, 1950

Ashtray Crystal, 1950

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Crystal We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. Why are there so many antiques in Argentina? In the 1880 – 1940 there was a grate wave of immigration encouraged by the periods of war that were taking place. 1st World War took place between 1914 and 1918 2nd World War took place between 1939 and 1945 The immigrants options were New York or Buenos Aires. Tickets were cheap and in Buenos Aires they were welcomed with open arms, as it was a country where everything was still to be done. Argentina was the country of new opportunities, labour was needed and religious freedom was assured, in many cases the of the family travel first until they were settled and then the rest of the family members join them. In the immigrant museum “Ellis Island Immigrant Building” in New York you can se the promotional posters of the boats that would take them to a new life. Between the years 1895 and 1896, Argentina had the highest DGP (gross domestic product) per capita in the world according to the Maddison Historical Statistics index, this situation arose due to the large amount of food being exported to European countries, which were at war. The Argentinean ships left the port of Buenos Aires with food, but they returned with furniture, clothes and construction elements, (it´s common to see this the old buildings of the historic neighbourhood of San Telmo, the beams with the inscription “Made in England)”, as well as many markets that were built in Buenos Aires, such us the San Telmo Market, whose structure was brought by ship and afterwards assembled in 900 Defensa Street. With the great influence of European immigrants living in the country, the children of the upper classes travelled to study in France, resulting in the inauguration of “La Maison Argentinienne”, on 27th of June 1928, in the international city of Paris, which hosted many Argentinians that were studying in Frace. It´s the fourth house to be built after France, Canada and Belgium, being the first Spanish-speaking one. Still in place today (17 Bd Jourdan, 75014, Paris, France). Many of the children of these wealthy families who attended international art exhibitions, museums and art courses abroad, took a keen interest in the European style. This is why Buenos Aires was at the time referred as “The Paris of South America”. Between the years 1890 and 1920 more than a hundred Palaces were built on Alvear Avenue the most exclusive avenue in Buenos Aires. Today some of these palaces have been transformed into museums, hotels and embassies. In the year 1936, the Kavanagh building was inaugurated, it was the tallest reinforced concrete building in South America. During 1994 the American Society of Civil Engineers distinguished it as an “international engineering milestone”, and it´s now considered a World Heritage of Modern Architecture. At the time was common to hire foreign architects such as Le Corbusier, who visited Buenos Aires/Argentina in 1929 and in 1948 he drew up the blueprints for a house built in La Plata City (which was declared a World Heritage Site). In 1947, the Hungarian architect Marcelo Breuer designed “Parador Ariston” in the seaside city of Mar del Plata. After an Argentinean student at Harvard University convinced him to come to Argentina. He worked on an urban development project in the Casa Amarilla, area of La Boca. The Ukrainian architect, Vladimiro Acosta, arrives in Argentina in 1928 and worked as an architect until que moved to Brazil. Antonio Bonet, a Spanish architect who worked with Le Corbusier in Paris, arrives in Argentina in 1937, where he carried out several architectural works and in 1938 designs the well-known BFK chair. Andres Kálnay, of Hungarian origin, made around 120 architectural masterpieces, among which the former Munich brewery stands out, he even made the furniture’s design. The German architect, Walter Gropius, director of the Bauhaus, lived in Argentina, where he wrote articles for “Sur” magazine and founded in Buenos Aires, an architectural firm with Franz Möller, who was also an architect, where he built two houses. At the same time several famous designers decided to immigrate to Argentina, among them we can find the well-known French designer, Jean-Michel Frank, who arrived in the country in 1940 and also worked for the Rockefeller family. Special pieces were made, which were sold exclusively in the country, such as the well-known German company “WMF”, who sold their products by catalogue, which were chosen by the ladies of high society in the list of wedding gifts, as well as the pieces designed by Christofle. The Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacometti, made special pieces for Argentinean mansions. In 1904 the first Jansen branch outside Paris was established in Buenos Aires, as the Argentinean clientele demanded a large amount of furniture, from the end of the 19th century to the mid-20th century. In 1970, the brand Rigolleau Argentina made pieces authorised by Lalique. The brands Maple and Thompson also set up shop in the country. The French plastic artist, Marcel Duchamp moved to Argentina in 1918-1919. Glass signed Gallé, Charder, Leverre, Schneider, Muller and other French firms. They were bought in flower shops and were given to ladies with beautiful floral arrangements. Some furniture manufacturers travelled to international fairs and bough the patterns to produce the furniture in Argentina, such as the furniture firm Englander and Bonta, who bought the patterns ins Italy. It is worth mentioning that in Argentina we have the largest community of Italians outside...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Crystal

Mid-century green ceramic ashtray, Sicart Italy 1969
Mid-century green ceramic ashtray, Sicart Italy 1969

Mid-century green ceramic ashtray, Sicart Italy 1969

By Sicart

Located in Firenze, IT

Midcentury green ceramic ashtray Sicart 1969s Italy H: 6.5 cm 13 × 13 cm Labeled on the base. Andrea Palladio design price label. Conditions: excellent consistent with age and use.

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Ceramic

Ashtray Crystal, 1950
Ashtray Crystal, 1950

Ashtray Crystal, 1950

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Crystal We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads ...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Crystal

Murano 1970, Italian
Murano 1970, Italian

Murano 1970, Italian

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Murano We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'Vi...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Murano Glass

Murano 1950. Italian
Murano 1950. Italian

Murano 1950. Italian

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Murano We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'V...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Murano Glass

Giorgio Soavi for Olivetti, "O" Ashtray, 1968
Giorgio Soavi for Olivetti, "O" Ashtray, 1968

Giorgio Soavi for Olivetti, "O" Ashtray, 1968

Located in London, GB

Soavi designed this ashtray for Olivetti, a company originally created by Camillo Olivetti in 1908 to produce typewriters. Olivetti became famous for the meticulous attention it paid...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Space Age Ashtrays

Materials

Plastic

Space Age ashtrays for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Space Age ashtrays for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage ashtrays created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with plastic, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Space Age ashtrays made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Germany pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original ashtrays, popular names associated with this style include Kartell, Sergio Asti, Anna Castelli Ferrieri, and Artemide. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for ashtrays differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $145 and tops out at $2,880 while the average work can sell for $474.