Vide poche

The selected object is a hand-carved and polished ashtray made of malachite. This type of luxury interior accessory is recognizable by the distinctive, vibrant green hues and concentric, wavy bands and patterns characteristic of the mineral malachite. Features of the object: Material: Solid malachite, a copper-carbonate mineral that is mined worldwide for its decorative value. Many of these pieces originate from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Form: Organic and freeform. The edges are notched to accommodate cigarettes or cigars. Finish: The top and interior of the bowl are mirror-smoothly polished to optimally reveal the texture and color layers. The underside is sometimes left partly rough for this type of object to show the stone's natural state. Use: In addition to its function as an ashtray, such bowls today are often used as collectibles, decorative vide-poche (for keys or change) or as a jewelry bowl.