Type: Ashtray / Trinket Dish
Original/Licensed Reproduction: Original
Production Technique: Hand Blown / Studio Glass
Style: Retro / Modernist / Studio Art Glass
Date of Creation: 2018 (50th Anniversary Edition)
Features: Anniversary Label, Multicolour Swirl, Heavy Glass
Subject: Abstract Swirl
Region of Origin: Malta
Material: Art Glass
Size: Approx. 6.5 cm square
A vibrant and beautifully weighted Mdina Glass handmade square ashtray, produced in 2018 to commemorate 50 Years of Mdina Glass (1968–2018).
This compact yet substantial piece measures approximately 6.5 cm across and features flowing ribbons of orange, yellow, blue and white suspended within clear hand-blown glass. The swirling internal pattern creates depth and movement from every angle.
The side retains its original anniversary label:
“50 Years – MDINA GLASS – Handmade – 1968–2018”
Although traditionally sold as an ashtray, the thick square form makes it equally suitable as:
• A trinket dish
• A candle holder
• A desk ornament
• A paperweight
The heavy construction and polished edges give it a quality feel typical of Mdina studio production.
Mdina Glass was founded in Malta in 1968 by Michael Harris, a pioneer of British studio glass who previously worked at Isle of Wight Studio Glass.
The company became internationally recognised for its organic forms and richly coloured internal swirl patterns. While sometimes mistaken for Murano glass due to stylistic similarities, Mdina has its own distinct Maltese studio identity.
In 2018, the studio marked fifty years of continuous glassmaking. Anniversary-labelled pieces such as this were produced to celebrate that milestone and are now recognised as collectible commemorative examples.
Because each piece is hand-blown, no two swirl patterns are ever identical.
Early Mdina pieces from the “Harris era” are highly collectible, but anniversary editions like this document the continued survival of one of Europe’s longest-running studio glass workshops.
Used condition.
Light surface wear consistent with age and storage.
One textured area visible within the central well — appears internal and likely a production characteristic rather than damage.
No visible chips or cracks.
Please review photographs carefully.
Stored for some time.
This glass piece will be carefully wrapped, cushioned and securely packed for tracked and insured UK delivery.
From Lillys RoseRed – Where the Past is Always Present 🌹
Mdina glass ashtray 50 years anniversary 2018 Malta studio glass square dish retro art glass handmade Maltese swirl paperweight trinket dish collectible Mdina