Ashtray materials vary, styles ornate

Models, many in brass, bone, horn and wood, are transformed by artisans into elegant pieces through multiple craftwork and techniques.

Varied material options allow India suppliers to offer ashtrays with a broader spectrum of design and at different price groups. Wood, metal, glass, stone, marble, bone, horn, bamboo, ceramic and lac are preferred. The choice of material depends on its adaptability to the technique that will be applied, and the skill and specialization of the artisan.

Brass is the most popular material for India ashtrays, due to its adaptability to various forms of craftsmanship and techniques such as embossing, engraving, chiseling, cutting, enameling and plating. Models made of wood, bone and horn are also common. Bamboo and ceramic pieces, meanwhile, are woven and painted by hand.

All materials used to make India ashtrays are sourced locally. Bamboo, marble and stone are obtained from Agra, Rajasthan and West Bengal.

As regards design, stainless steel and aluminum ashtrays are single- or double-walled with smooth surfaces and indentations for holding cigarettes. Silver-plated and antique-finished variations are also available. Glass models have smooth or grooved surfaces and come in different shapes.

Square, rectangle, polygon, round and oval shapes remain popular but manufacturers are now also offering models in unconventional forms, including human and animal figures.

In terms of functionality, models are built with add-ons such as an attached cigarette box or drawer, smoke-absorbing cups, pocket ashtrays and lids.

India suppliers of ashtrays are well-known for their traditional art of craftsmanship.

Ardour Group's models are made of mango and rosewood in rustic themes and handpainted, engraved and bear inlaid designs. Neelkanth Enterprises, meanwhile, use bone and horn embellished with brass and fake gemstones.

Meenakari, floral and geometrical designs are prevalent in SR Handicraft's ashtrays. Models are made of marble and stone with gold leaf and gemstone inlays.

Unique Gift Gallery's ashtrays come in various shapes such as a nautical wheel, shoe, fruit or other geometrical shapes.

Factors that affect price include the intricacy of the work, motifs and embellishments. Materials used and size also have an impact.

Low-end ashtrays use ceramic, glass, mango wood or stone. Products have smooth or grooved surfaces and handpainted and inlaid designs. These are priced at $1.50 to $2.

Aluminum, brass, mango wood and steel are used to produce midrange ashtrays. Models feature engraved, embossed, jali, handpainted, meenakari, inlaid and embellished designs. Price ranges from $2.05 to $3.50.

High-end models feature more intricate workmanship and motifs. Size is more than 4in. Price starts at $3.50 and can exceed $5.

While anti-smoking campaigns have reduced the demand for smoking products and accessories, there are still more than 1,000 companies in India. Twenty-five percent consists of large corporations with an annual export turnover of $2 million. Midsize and small businesses, meanwhile, make less than $2 million and $1 million, respectively.

Key markets are Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, UAE and the US. Target destinations are the Middle East, North Africa, Norway and Turkey.

See a comparison table of ashtray suppliers on GlobalSources.com