Arne Jacobsen 'Cylinder Line' Revolving Ashtray

A stainless-steel ashtray or vide-poche designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1967 and produced in Denmark by Stelton. 

This object forms part of Jacobsen's celebrated cylinda-line collection, a Modernist series (with a capital M!) of precisely made functional wares for the kitchen, dining room and bar. Each piece in this renowned collection is derived from a single geometric form, the cylinder, which incorporates the appropriate handle, spout, or lid to denote its intended use. 

This practical double level storage container features a concave, semi-spherical bowl balanced on two thin metal rods. The mechanism is simple yet highly effective: the bowl revolves to drop items into the cylindrical body below. When this design was used for cigarettes, this would keep the surroundings tidy and minimise odours. 

As noted on Stelton's own website, the ashtray also serves as a useful addition to the bar, functioning neatly as a deposit for spent lime wedges or olive stones. 

The pure geometric forms and practical stainless-steel construction embody Jacobsen's Modernist ideals, while the enduring popularity of the design speaks to the strength of streamlined, functional objects that prioritise practicality, ease of use, and lasting enjoyment.

This item is a vintage example from the 1980's and retains its original packaging.