Seth Rogen, known for his work in the entertainment industry and cannabis business, has a lesser-known hobby of collecting vintage ashtrays. Over the span of twenty-five years, Rogen has diligently curated an extensive collection of approximately 567 pieces, with a keen focus on the intricate artistry of Midcentury Modern designs. While not officially recognized by the Guinness Book of Records in comparison to a larger collection from Australia, Rogen's assortment showcases a profound admiration for the craftsmanship and design evolution of ashtrays.
Rogen's interest in ashtrays spans from the 1920s to the late 1970s, which is considered the Golden Age of these smoking accessories. The actor shared his fascination with the creativity and attention to detail that went into producing ashtrays from that era, particularly during the Midcentury Modern period. He emphasized the thought and effort that artisans put into crafting these objects, leading him to gravitate towards collecting pieces from this specific time frame. Rogen's assemblage, though primarily kept in storage, features some highlighted pieces exhibited at the Houseplant headquarters, the brand he established alongside Evan Goldberg in 2021.
Among the notable items in Rogen's collection are works by renowned artists such as Viennese ceramicist Walter Bosse. One standout piece is a mid-1950s brass hedgehog that ingeniously transforms into six individual ashtrays, showcasing both practicality and whimsical design. Rogen showcases another prized possession, a rare Louis Vuitton hand-painted ashtray, obtained from the antique marketplace 1stDibs. The Houseplant headquarters not only serves as a space for displaying select ashtrays but also functions as a showroom and Midcentury Modern VIP party venue, complete with a range of Houseplant accessories and ashtrays adorning various surfaces.