£850.00
A wonderfully decorative and highly unusual large Delft-style tobacco jar bearing the inscription "TABAC D'OBOURG", produced for the Belgian market during the late nineteenth or early twentieth century.
Beautifully decorated in underglaze cobalt blue upon a white ground, the jar is adorned with charming seventeenth-century style figures, floral ornament and bold lion mask side handles. Completing the piece is an elegant turned brass cover, creating an impressive display object that blends traditional Delft pottery with later European decorative design.
A wonderfully decorative and highly unusual large Delft tobacco jar bearing the inscription "TABAC D'OBOURG", produced for the Belgian market during the late nineteenth or early twentieth century.
Beautifully decorated in underglaze cobalt blue upon a white ground, the jar is adorned with charming seventeenth-century style figures, floral ornament and bold lion mask side handles. Completing the piece is an elegant turned brass cover, creating an impressive display object that blends traditional Delft pottery with later European decorative design.
Originally intended to store pipe tobacco, today it makes a striking decorative statement within both traditional and contemporary interiors.
Throughout the nineteenth century, Dutch Delft pottery enjoyed a remarkable revival, with workshops producing decorative wares inspired by the celebrated seventeenth and eighteenth-century originals.
Large tobacco jars such as this were particularly popular throughout the Netherlands and neighbouring Belgium, where tobacco remained an important social pastime.
The inscription "Tabac d'Obourg" translates as "Obourg Tobacco," referring to tobacco associated with the Belgian town of Obourg in Wallonia. Rather than identifying the manufacturer, it almost certainly identifies the blend or retailer for which the jar was commissioned.
These jars would have stood proudly behind the counter of tobacconists, cafés or specialist merchants, serving both a practical purpose and acting as attractive advertisements.
Today they have become sought-after decorative objects, valued as much for their striking appearance as their historical associations.
The jar has been produced from high-quality glazed ceramic before being decorated entirely in cobalt blue underglaze.
Decorative highlights include:
The generous scale gives the piece exceptional visual impact, while the crisp decoration reflects the continued popularity of Delft-inspired ceramics during the late nineteenth century.
This impressive tobacco jar offers wonderful versatility within the home.
Whether displayed on a dresser, library bookcase, kitchen dresser or console table, it immediately draws the eye.
It works beautifully alongside:
Its large scale makes it considerably more impressive than many surviving tobacco jars.
Origin: Netherlands or Belgium (produced for the Belgian market)
Date: Circa 1880–1910
Materials
"We were immediately drawn to this wonderful tobacco jar for both its scale and personality. The beautifully painted Delft-style decoration, expressive lion mask handles and elegant brass cover create a piece with enormous decorative presence. The 'Tabac d'Obourg' inscription adds a fascinating layer of history, connecting it to Belgium's tobacco trade. It is exactly the sort of object that collectors and interior designers love—functional in origin, rich in character and instantly eye-catching."
The tobacco jar remains in very good antique condition.
There is a small, stable hairline crack to the neck, visible in the photographs, together with light age-related wear and minor firing imperfections consistent with its age.
The glaze remains bright and attractive, the decoration is well preserved and the brass lid sits neatly in position. The lion mask handles are intact, and there are no signs of restoration or structural instability.
Overall, the piece presents exceptionally well and remains a highly decorative example.
Height: 41 cm (16.14 inches)
Width: 29 cm (11.42 inches)
Depth: 22 cm (8.66 inches)
Weight: 3.3 kg (7.28 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.
