Coquilla Nut YZ Bird Coin Tray

A YZ nut bird coin tray, designed by draftsman and cartoonist Bernard Charles Howell for Henry Howell & Co., circa 1925.

Of course, this item was originally intended to be an ashtray. However, being practically unused, the small bowl can now function as a vide poche (open pocket) for any number of things, be that jewellery, trinkets, coins, etc…

The hemispherical dish is carved from a solid piece of beautifully figured mahogany, itself cut into an elegant teardrop shape. The head and body of the bird are fashioned from unpolished coquilla nuts, the fruit of the Brazilian palm (Attalea funifera), which is closely related to the coconut palm.

Entirely in keeping with the Art Deco period, the bird’s semi-translucent red beak is made from what is often referred to as “cherry amber” Bakelite. More precisely, this is a phenol formaldehyde / phenolic polymer made using Faturan resin. 

The final material this design incorporates is glass. Attesting to the quality of YZ products, the bird is fitted with cased glass eyes. A ball of black glass creates the pupil which has been backed by yellow glass before both layers are encased within clear glass. This attention to detail creates a striking sense of depth and animation.

Overall, as Ian Holdsworth [1] beautifully described on BBC Radio 4 YZ objects like this speak of a time of fun, of partying and of relief of a war over. It is decorative and tactile and new, yet vaguely reminiscent of a hieroglyph, so suitably art deco. YZ accessories perform in an expensive way the same function as cheaper bottle stoppers/matchboxes/ashtrays, but this only adds their desirability. The form, materials and use define their time. [2]

1. Ian Holdsworth is author of ‘YZ: the eccentric, idiosyncratic and unique product design of Henry Howell & Co.’ the definitive guide to YZ creations.

2. BBC Radio 4 series A History of the World in 100 Objects, in association w. the British Museum, 2010.