Bidspirit auction | An Il Verrocchio Italian Ceramic

An Il Verrocchio Italian Ceramic Ashtray with Neoclassical Frieze - An Il Verrocchio ceramic ashtray manufactured in Florence, Italy. The circular vessel is constructed from glazed ceramic, featuring a deep emerald green glaze to the interior and the wide, inward-sloping rim. The exterior body is decorated with a sepia-toned transfer-printed neoclassical frieze on a white ground. The scene depicts various figures in classical drapery engaged in activities including dancing, carrying baskets of fruit, and playing a stringed instrument resembling a lyre, all arranged around a central flaming altar. The decoration is bordered by thin gilded lines, and the rim features three fully gilded cigarette rests. The base bears a white printed factory mark for Il Verrocchio, Florence, Italy, featuring a stylised letter M surmounted by a crown. A red and gold foil sticker reading MADE IN ITALY is also present on the base. Diameter: 125mm.