08-042.

Found on October 24, 2008 in Champaign, IL.

Francis Higgins

Barbaric Jewels ashtray set
Higgins Glass Studio
USA, 1961
8.25 x 8.25 x 1" (large)
4 x 3.75 x 0.75" (small)
Glass
Facsimile signature

For years I've coveted Higgins glass, but never seemed to find any except for in antique shops that specialize in midcentury decorative arts. Whenever I did see a piece (virtually always locked away in a display cabinet), the price was always prohibitive. But today, after many many years of searching, I finally had some success. Tucked away in the corner of an estate sale basement I came across this set of three ashtrays in the Barbaric Jewels pattern. It was a bit of a splurge for me at $20 since we don't smoke nor do we plan to start, but the sheer beauty of the glass outweighed the uselessness of the object for our daily use. These are items we will enjoy and admire for their aesthetic contribution to our decor, and at least for the meantime will be given prime placement on the coffee table in our living room.