Ashtray MB 23 E by Marianne Brandt

The MB 23 E ashtray by Marianne Brandt is one of her early Bauhaus designs (1924), and a striking example of how she combined function, modern industrial aesthetics, and minimalist geometry. It features a cylindrical (or hemispherical-ish) body and a lid with a tilting / pivoting or “tip-over” mechanism, which both conceals ashes and helps contain odor. 

In terms of its material, the MB 23 E is crafted in polished stainless steel (in its modern edition), retaining the clean surfaces and industrial robustness characteristic of Bauhaus metal‐work. Its dimensions are modest (approximately 7 cm high by 8 cm diameter in some editions) making it useful yet unobtrusive. 

Beyond its utility, the design illustrates Brandt’s mastery of merging basic forms—cylinders, circles, triangles—to create something with both sculptural and everyday appeal. Because it was produced under the auspices of Tecnolumen as a reproduction (with Bauhaus seal, etc.), it also speaks to the enduring value and collectible nature of Bauhaus work.