1950s Fontana Arte Crystal Ashtray by Max Ingrand

1950s facet cut ashtray by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy. The ashtray is made from beautiful thick green crystal glass and has 38 prisms when caught by sunlight.

Max Ingrand was one of the most significant French designers from the second half of the 20th century in the field of glass and light art. During his career he worked under many famous names, including the master glassblower Jacques Grüber, Pierre Patout and Charles Siclis. He was awarded the French Legion of Honour.

Ingrand studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris and started his career designing stained glass windows for churches and cathedrals before becoming Art Director of Italian lighting company, Fontana Arte, for 13 years.

Apart from a very small shallow scratch on the side, the ashtray in excellent vintage condition.