Lighting Up: Ashtrays and Artwork at NCECA 2024
In 2023 we made the trip to Cincinnati for NCECA, and besides having a great time and eating delicious food, we discovered the ceramic world had a growing affinity for candelabras.
So in 2024, when we traveled to Richmond Virginia for NCECA, what would find? Ashtrays, lots and lots of ceramics ashtrays that’s what.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at one of our favorite exhibits, we’ll learn about the history of the ashtray, and we’ll show you some of our personal favorites. Before we do though, a big thanks to everyone who came together to make NCECA a possibility. We had a great time, and can’t wait for next year!
A Brief Ashtray History
Like most things in history, we can’t provide an exact day and time the ashtray was born. By most accounts, the ashtray first appeared in the 19th century, and were in common use by the late Victorian period.
Pictured: The Cover of Life Magazine in 1925, featuring a young woman, or flapper, smoking even though her parent didn’t approve. Courtesy of the internet archive.
Following the first world war, cigarette and cigar smoking increased in popularity, especially amongst young men and women, or flappers of the era.
Manufacturers took note of this growing interested, designing ashtrays of all shapes and sizes to capture more market share.
For men, they made ashtrays that were design to be more“Masculine”, they were heavy, made of metal and meant to convey a sense of power. Yes, you read that correctly, the ashtrays were meant to feel manly.
But don’t worry ladies, they also made elegant, sophisticated options for women. These were cut from glass, made of crystal or adorned with floral patterns or elements that would appeal to women.
Ashtrays in automobiles, planes, and board rooms
As vehicles became more mainstream, so did ashtrays. Soon they could be found in automobiles, planes, and board rooms. Wherever individuals congregated, did business, or socialized, an ashtray could be found.
Pictured: Group with ashtray and cigaretes, courtesy of the Internet Archive.
Today, that’s no longer the case. As the health impacts became clear, and legislation was put in place, interest in smoking tobacco products lowered, ashtrays became less common.
Ashtrays at NCECA
Nowadays, ashtrays’ are practically non-existent. And for good reason, smoking is clearly bad for our health, it’s been proven time and time again. But was the ashtray more than a receptacle for collecting ashes?
That was the question asked at “Class or Trash”, an exhibit of ceramic ashtray’s made by artist from across the country and beyond. The exhibit aimed to shine a light on an object that for years was at the center of social conversations, big business deals, and crises.
For some, it represented a time when the vast majority of conversations took place in person, unlike today where technology can change how we interact or socialize. For others they represented and opportunity to make a point, share a thought, or show distaste for smoking and what it represented.
So, what do you think, are they class or trash?
Conclusion: What I Learned from Ashtrays
According to an article in the Washington Post, they appear to be, with the general manager of Ebay’s home good category remarking “Tens of thousands of vintage ashtrays sold on eBay in North America in 2022.”
What is behind the trend? Maybe it’s the ongoing legalization of cannabis use. Maybe it’s the power of social media, and celebrity influences like Seth Rogen.
Regardless, while I don’t have any interest in taking up smoking, I do think the world would benefit from more face-to-face socialization. Part of me hopes that exhibits like these can help place more attention on that by looking at objects like ashtrays and the interactions they represented.
And maybe that is the conversation we should be having?
