CAO International makes some of the finest premium cigars in the world. Seven of their cigar lines have all been rated 90 (“Outstanding”) or above by Cigar Aficionado and Cigar Insider. Two of their cigars were awarded perfect “10″ scores by the European trade publication Cigar Buyer Magazine in Autumn of 2005 issue. It is not an exaggeration to say that CAO cigars are modern works of art.

Now, while enjoying those cigars, connoisseurs will have a place to rest them that is an innovative work of modern art in itself.

The choice of a Cubist motiff for their design could not be more appropriate.

Why?

Because Cubism owes its existence in large measure to a puff of cigar smoke. The rest of the story follows below the fold.

Inspired by the avant-garde art movement associated with Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso that revolutionized European painting and sculpture in the early 20th Century, the CAO Cubist Ashtray features a non-traditional design and an exciting interplay of non-conventional materials, including concrete and chrome. The new ashtray will debut at the upcoming RTDA (Retail Tobacco Dealers of America) 74th Annual Convention and International Trade Show in Las Vegas later this month.

The CAO Cubist is as much visual art as it is a functional cigar ashtray. It measures 9 inches square, weighs in at a sturdy 6 pounds, and accommodates up to 4 cigars.

“The translation of an idea to a design, and then the resolution of how to bring that concept into a practical working instrument is the theme behind the CAO Cubist Ashtray,” commented CAO Vice President Tim Ozgener. “Over the years, we’ve received countless requests for a CAO ashtray; however, we wanted to be innovative and step away from an ordinary cigar ashtray. We created a piece that was not only functional but would possess an artistic aesthetic, as well.”

Picasso would be pleased by the result.

Cigars, pipes and cigarettes, of course, figured prominently in his art and he was himself a smoker. In fact, Pablo Picasso was a smoker quite literally from the moment of his birth.

According to family legend, Picasso was stillborn. Seeing no trace of crying or breathing, the midwife in attendance left the infant for dead and began caring for his mother. Fortunately for the world, Picasso’s uncle, Don Salvador Ruiz was in attendance at the birth.

Don Salvador was a physician — and a cigar smoker. He leaned over the apparently lifeless infant and breathed cigar smoke into its nostrils. The baby moved, began to cry, and a genius came into the world through the spirit of tobacco.

Could CAO have chosen anything more appropriate than Picasso’s Cubist movement as the guiding force behind their unique ashtray design?

CAO is known for innovation and creativity. Their new Vision cigar line with its unique humidor packaging is eagerly anticipated at next month’s RTDA as well. The CAO Cubist Ashtray will be available at select retail tobacconists across the country, as well as at their online boutique CAO M.E.R.C.H.. The price of the ashtray has not yet been announced.