Ceramic Ashtray — Hoya an der Weser Historical Engraving Transfer, "Der Grafen von Hoya Stambauss", 5"

A remarkable and scholarly ceramic ashtray featuring a detailed black transfer print of the historic town of Hoya an der Weser in Lower Saxony, Germany, captioned in period German script: "Hoya — Der Grafen von Hoya Stambauss" (Hoya — The Ancestral Seat of the Counts of Hoya). The image is based on a 16th or 17th century engraving, complete with labeled landmarks including "Das Schloß" (the castle), "Die Weser" (the Weser River), "Fluvius," and river boats navigating the foreground — a panoramic view of the town as it appeared in the age of the Counts of Hoya.

The ashtray itself is beautifully made: a deep round bowl form with a rich dark brown/black glazed exterior and a crisp white interior that sets off the transfer print to perfection. A single cigarette rest is notched into the rim. The piece has the feel of a quality German souvenir or commemorative ceramic, likely produced in the 20th century after a historical source.

• Subject: Hoya an der Weser, Lower Saxony, Germany
• Inscription: "Hoya — Der Grafen von Hoya Stambauss" in period Gothic script
• Decoration: Black transfer print after a 16th/17th century engraving; labeled landmarks throughout
• Form: Deep round bowl with single cigarette rest
• Exterior: Dark brown/black glaze
• Interior: White glaze with transfer print
• Diameter: 5"
• Condition: Excellent — mint/like new; no chips, cracks, or crazing; transfer print vivid and fully intact

A wonderful piece for the collector of German historical ceramics, Lower Saxony memorabilia, or anyone fascinated by the medieval County of Hoya and its place in German history. The combination of historical engraving source material and quality ceramic execution makes this an unusually refined souvenir piece.