LJUNGBERG & BACKSTRUM / DIVERSE TING & BALLEGEER “Ultima15” set of 2 Brutalist ashtrays, cast aluminum, ca. 1970

Set of 2 “Ultima15” Brutalist ashtrays from the 1970s. Design by L. Ljungberg and Backstrum & Ballegeer.

This iconic model is characterized by a cubic structure in cast aluminum, with a lid decorated with a grid of circular cavities. The model is documented as having been produced by Diverse Ting (Malmö, Sweden), although some sources suggest production in Denmark. Publishing details may vary and sometimes require verification.

Dimensions:

• Larger: (5.5 × 15 × 15 cm).

• Smaller: (7 × 7 × 7 cm).

The Ultima 15 ashtray was designed by Holger Bäckström (1939–1997) and Bo Ljungberg (1939–2007), the Swedish duo known as Beck & Jung. They met at the School of Art in Gothenburg and founded the Beck & Jung partnership, active mainly between the 1960s and 1980s, blending design, graphics, and optical art.

This emblematic model is distinguished by its cubic form, with a lid punctuated by a network of circular recesses. The model is documented as produced by Diverse Ting (Malmö, Sweden), though some sources mention Denmark as a place of manufacture. Publishing details can vary and occasionally require confirmation.

The smaller model is marked Ballégeer, probably produced in Belgium in the 1970s. With its reduced dimensions, it reflects the same geometric spirit, its surface covered with circular cavities. The Ballégeer marking appears on the reverse, though little documentation exists about this publisher, leaving the attribution to be confirmed.

• Artist / Designer:HOLGER BÄCKSTRÖM (BECK) (1939 - 1997) & BO LJUNGBERG (JUNG) (1939 - 2007).
• Signature / Monogram:Signed.
• Issuer / Manufacturer:DIVERSE TINGl.
• Stamp / Label:Yes.
• Period:20th Century / Mid Century / 1960 - 1980.
• Country of Origin:Denmark, Sweden & Belgium.
• Dimensions (H x W x D):5.5cm x 15cm x 15cm.
• Weight:0.6 Kg.
• Number of components:2.
• Condition:Excellent.
• Style:Brutalist / Design / Op Art / Other style.
• Material:Metal / Brushed aluminium.

• Price:550 €

• Packaging and delivery:
  
  Pickup: Free.
  
  For Belgium: €20.
  
  For France: €30.
  
  For Europe: €50.
  
  For the rest of the world: €80.