Product Details

The item in the image is a vintage porcelain figural ashtray, often referred to as a "smoking head" or "hobo clown" ashtray. These novelty items were typically made in Japan, often during the post-Occupation period (1940s to 1950s). Design and Function: The ashtray is designed in the shape of a man's or clown's head with an open mouth to hold a cigarette. A common feature, visible in the image, is a small bee or fly perched on the tip of the nose. Mechanism: When a lit cigarette is placed in the designated spot (usually the mouth), the smoke is intended to curl out of the figure's nostrils, creating a whimsical effect. Material and Origin: The piece is hand-painted porcelain or ceramic and often marked "Made in Japan" on the base. Collectibility: These are considered collectible pieces of tobacciana or vintage kitsch due to their unique and expressive, sometimes grotesque, design. ***The bee's wings have been removed or broken off.***