Funky little ashtray from - ?

This appears to have “Italy” poorly stamped on the back. I have no idea how old it is. I had thought 1970’s head shop cheap stuff from India, but maybe I’m wrong. Wouldn’t be the first time! Any info appreciated.

 

Anybody?

 

Well made in Italy for sure, since it's marked as such. It looks like brass.

Wildly speculating about the design, it might be modeled after a rosette on an ancient frieze, architectural element or other sculpture somewhere in Italy.

Since it is so tiny I'm wondering if it came in a set for handing out at each individual place setting for card players, along with a nut or mint dish.

I have no idea how old it might be. Looking at it, the pattern they used is so classical it could be anywhere from the 1920's to the '70s I think.

Hopefully someone else will opine.

 

Mmmm, I can see it in its youth, buffed to a shine, with a little plate of pistachios and pomegranate seeds