Item Description
A rare and witty object from the French sculptor and designer Yonel Lebovici, this kinetic ashtray turns the most utilitarian of household objects into a small sculpture. Made in the 1970s, it shows Lebovici’s signature fusion of function and conceptual art. The ashtray is a futuristic hemisphere of polished chrome-plated steel, its mirrored surface catching and bending the light around it. A concealed counterweight gives it a delicate balance, so that the lightest touch sets it into a subtle, playful movement before it settles back to rest. It is an elegant homage to the kinetic art movement and to Lebovici’s lasting fascination with motion and interaction. Lebovici is celebrated for his collaborations with Issey Miyake and for his presence in leading design galleries. He produced his objects in very limited quantities, which makes his work highly sought after by collectors of 20th-century design and kinetic art. This piece is documented in the book Atelier A by Françoise Jollant Kneebone and Chloé Braunstein. A true conversation piece, it suits a curated interior equally well as a functional object on a coffee table or bar, or as a purely sculptural statement on a shelf or console. Condition: Excellent vintage condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use.
