Vintage NICODEMUS POTTERY “Blue Box” Ashtray

Dated vintage to 1940, this rare ashtray by Nicodemus Pottery was originally created for Blue Box Corrugated in Columbus, Ohio as a piece of fine advertising. This ceramic ashtray is glazed in glossy, translucent tones of rust and light blue and has been stamped and stickered with Nicodemus’ studio insignia, ensuring its authenticity.

About the Artist:
Chester Nicodemus (1901-1990) was a Columbus, Ohio potter, sculptor, and teacher known for his small clay birds, as well as other wildlife, teapots and pitchers. His pieces are recognizable as being produced with variously colored translucent glazes, which enhanced the redness of the high iron content of Ohio clay to create a russet brown undertone. Nicodemus earned a degree from Cleveland Art School and then went on to teach at Dayton Art School and Wittenberg College. In 1932, he became dean at the Columbus College of Art and Design and later taught at The Ohio State University and served as president of the Columbus Art League. All of Nicodemus’ molds and glazes were destroyed upon his death at his request.

This ashtray is amongst hundreds of pieces of décor that are available at our location in Grandview! Come in today and see the full collection.