Stunning porcelain rare collectable ashtray 1935, a souvenir from the California Pacific International Exposition in San Diego. This hand painted ashtray, made in Japan, has a beautiful combination of colors in pink, mauve, green, blue, yellow and brown. The inside of the ashtray has a lusterware finish. There is one fleabite chip on the pink flower and another on the edge of the base. There is also a little bit of paint wear (photo 3). These things don't get in the way of how great it looks. They are not very noticeable. The bottom says, "Made in Japan." Measures 4" long, 2 1/2" tall and 2 3/4" wide.
"The California Pacific International Exposition was an exposition held in San Diego, California during May 29, 1935–November 11, 1935 and February 12, 1936–September 9, 1936. The exposition was held in Balboa Park, San Diego's large central urban park, which had also been the site of the earlier Panama-California Exposition in 1915.
The Exposition was held to promote San Diego and support its economy, which had slowed with the country's Great Depression. The first year was such a financial and attendance success that it was held over for a second year. The exposition had hundreds of exhibits on history, the arts, horticulture, ethnic cultures, science, and industry. Some concessions and exhibits were unusual, such as the Gold Gulch, Lost Continent of Mu, Zoro Garden Nudist Colony, and the "One Ton Mechanical Man." (WikipediA)
It is very difficult to find another souvenir like this one, it's that rare.
Great piece of memorabilia.
This item is sold from an excellent, highly rated vintage boutique in Los Angeles, CA.
