At the turn of the twentieth century, Armand-Albert Rateau traveled from France to the sites of eighteenth-century archaeological excavations in Pompeii, Italy. This moment, coupled with the excitement over the opening of Tutankhamen’s tomb, resulted in his ultimate taste for classical antiquity that would later make his name in the 1920s. The present ornamental ashtray is a strong illustration of Rateau’s innovative style combining classical art, embellished creatures, and a flair for precious materials. The fanciful ornamentation of butterflies and feline creatures creatively combines fantasy and classicism. His interest in classical art and Egyptian motifs is executed in bronze and brass with both sobriety and exuberance. This distinctive elegance, inspired by stylized nature reminiscent of the East and Antiquity, appealed to the contemporary fashion for exotic themes and luxurious materials.