£650.00
An impressive late nineteenth-century Dutch Delft tobacco jar, beautifully hand-painted in cobalt blue on a soft cream glazed earthenware body, retaining its original matching ceramic cover.
The jar is decorated with two wonderfully characterful figures supporting a draped banner inscribed "TABACK", the historic Dutch spelling for tobacco. One figure is dressed as a European gentleman, while the other appears in classical attire, creating an unusual and highly decorative composition rarely encountered on later Delft wares.
An impressive late nineteenth-century Dutch Delft tobacco jar, beautifully hand-painted in cobalt blue on a soft cream glazed earthenware body, retaining its original matching ceramic cover.
The jar is decorated with two wonderfully characterful figures supporting a draped banner inscribed "TABACK", the historic Dutch spelling for tobacco. One figure is dressed as a European gentleman, while the other appears in classical attire, creating an unusual and highly decorative composition rarely encountered on later Delft wares.
The soft crackled glaze, generous proportions and charming naïve decoration give this piece tremendous decorative appeal, making it equally suited to traditional and contemporary interiors.
Large tobacco jars became an essential feature of Dutch tobacconists throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Displayed prominently on shop counters and apothecary shelves, they were used for storing loose tobacco while also acting as decorative advertisements.
The inscription "TABACK" reflects the historic Dutch spelling of tobacco, frequently seen on Delft storage jars produced for domestic and commercial use.
By the late nineteenth century, Delft potteries continued producing these traditional forms, celebrating the earlier seventeenth and eighteenth-century Delftware tradition whilst introducing more expressive hand-painted decoration.
Today these jars remain highly sought after by collectors of Delft pottery, tobacco antiques and decorative ceramics.
The word "TABACK" is an historic Dutch spelling of tabak (tobacco). Delft tobacco jars bearing this inscription were produced for tobacconists and domestic storage, becoming one of the most recognisable forms of Dutch decorative pottery during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
The jar has been hand-thrown in earthenware before being decorated by hand in cobalt oxide beneath a clear crackled tin glaze.
The charming freehand painting demonstrates the individuality of traditional Delft decoration, with expressive brushwork depicting two figures supporting the tobacco banner.
The soft cream body displays attractive age-related crazing throughout, giving the piece warmth and authenticity.
The original domed lid completes the silhouette beautifully.
This is a wonderfully decorative statement piece.
The generous scale makes it ideal for display on a dresser, console table, library shelves or within a cabinet of curiosities.
The charming figurative decoration, traditional Delft blue palette and historic tobacco inscription make it an excellent conversation piece that works equally well in country house, farmhouse and contemporary interiors.
Origin: Netherlands
Date: Late 19th Century (circa 1880–1900)
Material:
"We particularly love the unusual decoration on this tobacco jar. This piece features two expressive hand-painted figures holding the traditional tobacco banner, giving it tremendous personality. The beautifully crazed glaze and generous scale make it a striking decorative object with genuine historical charm."
Presented in very good antique condition.
The original cover is present.
The glaze displays attractive age-related craquelure throughout, entirely consistent with traditional Delft earthenware.
There are a few minor firing imperfections and tiny glaze blemishes from manufacture.
A few very small glaze flakes and light surface wear are present, consistent with age and use.
Overall, the jar remains in excellent decorative condition.
Height: 29 cm / 11.4 inches
Width: 22 cm / 8.7 inches
Depth: 22 cm / 8.7 inches
Weight: 3.5 kg / 7.7 lbs
Every item offered by Shackleton Fox is carefully inspected, prepared, and where necessary conserved within our workshop prior to sale.
As heritage craftsmen and antique specialists, we believe in preserving the authenticity and integrity of each piece. Original finishes, patina, wear, and signs of age are retained wherever possible, as these elements contribute to both character and historical significance.
When restoration, rewiring, repairs, or conservation work is required, it is undertaken sympathetically using traditional techniques and materials appropriate to the period of the piece. Our philosophy is one of careful stewardship rather than unnecessary restoration, ensuring antiques remain both functional and historically respectful.
The result is a collection of pieces that have been thoughtfully prepared, allowing future owners to enjoy them with confidence while preserving their unique story and character.
