Large Dutch Delft Style Tobacco Jar Tabac Dobourg with Brass Lid, 1880

Details

Description

Large dutch delft tobacco jar 'tabac d'obourg' with brass lid, circa 1880–1910
a wonderfully decorative and highly unusual large delft … Read more Large dutch delft tobacco jar 'tabac d'obourg' with brass lid, circa 1880–1910
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.

history
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.

craftsmanship
the jar has been produced from high-quality glazed ceramic before being decorated entirely in cobalt blue underglaze.

decorative highlights include:

hand-painted floral decoration.
stylised seventeenth-century dutch figures.
bold lion mask handles in relief.
traditional delft-inspired typography.
a substantial turned brass cover with finial.
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.

decorative appeal
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:

delftware collections
country house interiors
antique oak furniture
brassware
blue and white ceramics
curated library shelves
interior design projects
its large scale makes it considerably more impressive than many surviving tobacco jars.

provenance
origin: netherlands or belgium (produced for the belgian market)

date: circa 1880–1910

materials

glazed ceramic
cobalt blue underglaze decoration
brass cover
lion mask side handles
dealer's comments
"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."

condition report
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.

measurements
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) this piece is designed in the style of the selected designer and/or manufacturer See less