Vintage Italian Travertine Ashtray / Vide-Poche Attributed to the Brothers Mannelli (circa 1960s)

Vintage Italian travertine ashtray / vide-poche (circa 1960s) attributed to the Brothers Mannelli. A very weighty and stylish piece consisting of a travertine rectangle with sculpted slanted sides and two concave circular recesses with cigarette notches. Of course, it is so stylish, it can be used simply as a sculptural display or as a vide-poche by your front door or bedroom. Perhaps in its day, one can imagine it positioned on the corner of a New York advertising executive's enormous mahogany desk, more for its look than for collecting cigar ashes (this one has no signs of previous use as an ash tray). In good overall condition, it has characterful markings typical of travertine throughout. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying this listing. Upon request a video will be provided. 

Dimensions:

H 3 cm / 1.2"

W 21.5 cm / 8.5"

D 14.1 cm / 5.6"

About the Artists: The Mannelli brothers created wonderful pieces from Travertine, a form of limestone found in several places in Europe. In Italy it is located in the heart of the Province of Siena, in the quaint village of Rapolano Terme. Not all Mannelli pieces are signed or marked. If you see these pieces marked with 'Raymor', (this one has none) this was the label of the American importer of the Brothers Mannelli's pieces. Fratelli Mannelli also designed for Marble Art, from Marta in the Province of Viterbo in the region of Latium, (Lazio) Italy. For information, Mannelli pieces were often sold with a small paper or foil sticker naming the firm and its base at Rapolano Terme, near Siena, but most were lost through use and cleaning. Therefore, the majority of Mannelli travertine on the market carries no mark at all and is attributed by design, quality of carving and finish.