I don't really know what this dope little ceramic's intended use was, but when I found it at a antique store in Tulum, Mexico I knew it would be perfect for an ashy tray. The cover is a game changer if you're like me and leave your ashtray out on the coffee table. 

Tulum is a real hipster type destination about 2 hours south of Cancun, so you will only find one antique store there and it's pretty basic. There wasn't much in there I wanted to remix into ash trays, but I did find an original nintendo! I shoulda bought it.

Anyway, this little ceramic is dope af and the little leaf inside is a hidden gem. Beyond my admiration for the functionality of this piece of pottery, I found when googling that these are apparently really exclusive. Authentic Talavera pottery only comes from the city of Puebla and the nearby communities of Atlixco, Cholula, and Tecali. Because of the quality of the natural clay found there and the tradition of production which goes back to the 16th century. This little dish turned ash tray has the La Carona Talavera crown makers mark on the bottom and was likely handcrafted in the 1960's or 1970's era.