Ashtray in the form of a “picaninny” boy eating a watermelon slice
A ceramic ashtray in the form of a “picaninny” boy eating a watermelon slice. The boy is in a seated position, with his bare feet holding the ashtray between his legs. He has curly black hair and is wearing a yellow shirt with red short pants. His lips are painted red and his teeth white. His chin is resting on a slice of watermelon that he is holding in both hands. The exterior rim of the ashtray is green, the top rim yellow and the interior red. Engraved lettering on the back reads [© / GU 18240]. The base of the ashtray is unfinished white ceramic.
Credit: Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
1920-1929
Ceramic
10.2 x 12.1 x 14.0 cm
2007.7.81
Image and text © National Museum of African American History and Culture, 2020
Where you'll find this
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Permanent collection