The 'Otello' Ashtray is inspired by the poster of the first performance of the opera 'Othello' by Giuseppe Verdi held at the Theatre Scala in Milan, another source of inspiration for Fornasetti. The 'Arturo Toscanini' is a replica of the poster created for the inaugural concert after La Scala was rebuilt following the world war.
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Modern Collector: Design, Tiffany Studios, and Property from a Pacific Island Connoisseur
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Condition report
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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
Overall good condition.
'Città di Carte' Ashtray (2): 43⁄8 x 55⁄8 x 5⁄8 in. (11.1 x 14.3 x 1.6 cm) (each) 'Brighella' Ashtray: 41⁄2 x 51⁄2 x 3⁄4 in. (11.4 x 14 x 1.9 cm) 'Bolero' Ashtray: 51⁄2 x 87⁄8 x 13⁄8 in. (14 x 22.6 x 3.5 cm) 'Otello' Ashtray: 81⁄2 x 51⁄4 x 11⁄4 in. (21.6 x 13.4 x 3.2 cm) 'Arturo Toscanini' Ashtray: 81⁄2 x 53⁄8 x 15⁄8 in. (21.6 x 13.7 x 4.2 cm) 'Dunhill' Ashtray: 43⁄4 x 63⁄8 x 3⁄4 in. (12.2 x 16.2 x 1.9 cm) 'Città di Carte' Tray: 97⁄8 x 231⁄8 x 5⁄8 in. (25.2 x 58.9 x 1.5 cm) 'Cavatappi' Tray: 10 x 231⁄2 x 1⁄4 in. ( 25.4 x 59 x 0.8 cm) 'Città di Carte' Cigar Box: 4 x 117⁄8 x 17⁄8 in. (10.2 x 30.2 x 4.8 cm) 'Monete Antiche' Cigar Box: 4 x 117⁄8 x 17⁄8 in. (10.2 x 30.2 x 4.8 cm) Fountain Cigar Box: 4 x 117⁄8 x 17⁄8 in. (10.2 x 30.2 x 4.8 cm) Ancient Figures Cigar Box: 4 x 117⁄8 x 17⁄8 in. (10.2 x 30.2 x 4.8 cm)
'Città di Carte' Ashtrays in good condition with scattered scratches and abrasions consistent with age and use. Each presents with light wear concentrated to the extreme edges, and scattered scratches throughout commensurate with age and gentle handling.
'Brighella' Ashtray in good condition with scattered scratches and abrasions consistent with age and use. Presents with scattered areas of residue, not visually distracting. Scattered irregularities to the glaze, inherent to the making and not visually distracting. This lot has been inspected under UV light and presents no evidence of prior restoration.
'Bolero' Ashtray in good condition with scattered scratches and abrasions consistent with age and use. Presents with craquelure, only visible upon close inspection. This lot has been inspected under UV light and presents no evidence of prior restoration.
'Otello' Ashtray in good condition with scattered scratches and abrasions consistent with age and use. Presents with light wear, concentrated to the gold paint and not visually distracting. Base with residue, not visible when displayed. This lot has been inspected under UV light and presents no evidence of prior restoration.
'Arturo Toscanini' Ashtray in good condition with scattered scratches and abrasions consistent with age and use. Presents with scattered irregularities in the glazing, inherent to the making. This lot has been inspected under UV light and presents no evidence of prior restoration.
'Dunhill' Ashtray in good condition with scattered scratches and abrasions consistent with age and use. Presents with scattered irregularities to the glaze, concentrated on the verso, and not visually distracting when presented. This lot has been inspected under UV light and presents no evidence of prior restoration.
'Città di Carte' metal tray in good condition with scattered scratches and abrasions consistent with age and use. Scattered losses to the lithographic transfer (largest is 1⁄4 in.), not visually distracting. Verso with light wear concentrated to corners. Bent slightly out of shape and does not lay flat.
'Cavatappi' metal tray in good condition with scattered scratches and abrasions consistent with age and use. Presents with scattered minute scratches and wear, consistent with light use and gentle handling. Two small areas of residue (less than 1⁄4 in.). Small area along edge with white paint (approximately 3⁄4 in.), not visually distracting. Bent slightly out of shape and does not lay flat.
'Città di Carte' Cigar Box in good condition with scattered scratches and abrasions consistent with age and use. Presents with small scratch (approximately 3⁄8 in.) to one side. Area of residue (approximately 1⁄2 in.) in lower portion of design, not visually distracting. Wood tray with minor chips and abrasions (largest is approximately 1⁄4 in.). Wood tray with scattered gray paint splattered, not visible when in place.
'Monete Antiche' Cigar Box in good condition with scattered scratches and abrasions consistent with age and use. Presents with wear throughout, commensurate with age and gentle handling. One corner with small abrasions, not visually distracting. Wood tray with minor chips and abrasions (largest is approximately 1⁄4 in.). Felt base presents with heavy wear and creasing, not visible when presented.
Fountain Cigar Box in good condition with scattered scratches and abrasions consistent with age and use. Presents with wear and small chips concentrated to the extreme edges and not visually distracting. Wood tray with wear and scattered gray paint, not visible when in place.
Ancient figures Cigar Box in good condition with scattered scratches and abrasions consistent with age and use. Presents with wear and minor chips throughout, not visually distracting. Presents with yellowing on one edge, appears to be from the lithographic-transfer process. Wood tray with light wear and abrasions.
A playful set, ready for use and display.
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Lot 222Sale 21489
Smoking Set, circa 1960-1980PIERO FORNASETTI (1913-1988)Estimate: USD 1,000 - 1,500
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