Walter Bosse Pig Ashtray

A patinated ashtray in the form of a long-eared pig. This brass figure dates from around 1960, and was designed and produced by Walter Bosse in Germany.

Walter Bosse is well known for his whimsical 'black-golden' line of patinated brass animals produced by Herta Baller, Vienna, Austria. When Bosse moved to Germany in 1953, he began to design a whole new portfolio of designs to be produced locally. It was from this period that some of his most famous work was produced, such as his hedgehog ashtrays and animal coat hooks. 

The pig or piglet features a long, expressive snout and large ears. The ears have been shaped to perfectly accommodate a cigarette, whilst the main body of the animal is a deep bowl for ash. Just two perfectly round dots create the eyes on the stylised face which despite its Modernist simplicity communicates humour and personality.