Fontenille, “Shell” ashtray

Solid bronze ashtray with a shell imprint motif.

L. 2.95 in × W. 2.95 in × H. 0.98 in.

France, circa 1970.

Biography:

In the 1970s, many French artists and workshops explored decorative bronze objects inspired by nature, including plants, insects, and animals. These creations combined traditional bronze-casting techniques with a contemporary design approach, producing pieces that were both sculptural and decorative.

Often made in limited editions or as unique pieces, these works reflect the artists’ interest in material, relief, and the stylization of natural forms, marking a revival of French decorative arts within the experimental context of the 1970s.