Daum crystal ashtray César collection 1960 - black & clear

A modern cubist style Daum crystal ashtray from the César collection. It is very heavy. Signed on the side. The matching vase is available for separate purchase shown in last image.

The César Collection by Daum, created in the 1960s, showcases the innovative collaboration between Daum and the acclaimed French sculptor César Baldaccini (1921-1998). Initiated by Jacques Daum, this partnership aimed to merge traditional glassmaking techniques with contemporary art.

One striking example from this collection is an abstract, sculptural ashtray. This piece exemplifies César's brutalist aesthetic, featuring rugged textures and a combination of smooth and rough surfaces, highlighting his unique approach to form and material.

César, a key figure in the Nouveau Réalisme movement, brought a fresh, avant-garde perspective to Daum's creations. His works in the collection are characterized by the use of pâte-de-verre, a technique involving lost-wax casting and vitrifying lead crystal, resulting in unique and intricate textures.

The César Collection remains highly valued by collectors, symbolizing the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern artistic innovation.