Kalahari Ware Safmarine Hand-Painted Ashtray

Corporate commissions in South African studio pottery are rare, and this Kalahari Ware ashtray, made for Safmarine and bearing both the Kalahari Ware mark and the Safmarine commission, sits at the intersection of two distinct collector interests: South African studio ceramics and South African maritime memorabilia.

Made by Kalahari Ware of South Africa for Safmarine, circa 1960s, this hand-painted ceramic ashtray features a matte black recessed centre and colourful abstract decoration around the outer band, the Kalahari Ware style applied to a corporate commission piece with the same decorative confidence as the studio's standard production. Safmarine, the South African Marine Corporation, was one of South Africa's most significant shipping companies, and corporate commissions of this type, produced in limited quantities for company use and gifting, are now collected as examples of both studio pottery and corporate history. The Kalahari Ware mark and the Safmarine commission detail are both present to the piece.

• Maker: Kalahari Ware, South Africa
• Commission: Safmarine
• Dimensions: 15 cm (H) x 13 cm (W)
• Condition: Very good, visible condition as shown in images
• Features: Matte black recessed centre, colourful abstract outer band decoration, Kalahari Ware mark, Safmarine commission
• Period: Circa 1960s
• SKU: CBD-0102

A rare corporate commission piece combining South African studio pottery and maritime history. Pairs naturally with the Kalahari Pottery egg holder (CBD-0100) and the wider South African Ceramics collection.