Brutalist Ashtray "Ultima 9" in Solid Brass — Beck & Jung for Diverse

An absolute icon of Mid-Century Scandinavian design. This "Ultima 9" ashtray was designed by the famous designer duo Holger Bäckström & Bo Ljungberg (Beck & Jung) and produced by the Diverse Ting factory in Malmö, Sweden, during the 1960s/1970s. It is an original period piece cast in solid brass (not a modern reissue). The underside of the base features the original authentic marking stamped with the stylised "b" of Diverse Ting, certifying its authenticity and high collectible value. Its brutalist and geometric aesthetic design consists of two removable elements: a square base adorned with an interior pattern of concentric circles and a solid upper grid perforated with circular and diamond patterns. This ingenious design serves as a windbreak while elegantly concealing the contents. A true table sculpture. Designers: Beck & Jung (Bäckström & Ljungberg) Manufacturer: Diverse Ting, Malmö (Sweden) Material: Solid brass / Cast bronze. Dimensions: 8 X 8 cm. Height: 2.5 cm. Weight: Approximately 217 g. Condition: Excellent vintage condition with its original patina. The metal has deliberately not been polished to preserve its historical character and authenticity (it can, however, be revived to regain its shiny golden lustre using a specific brass product).