Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A magnificent tin-glazed earthenware (faience) tobacco jar decorated in classic blue and white underglaze. Features elaborate Baroque cartouche scrollwork enclosing the designation 'Nº 5', topped with its original brass finial lid. The base bears the hand-painted factory mark 'B:P:'.
Story
In 18th-century Dutch shops, giant tin-glazed earthenware jars lined the shelves to hold exotic cured tobaccos imported from the New World. Numbered and named jars like this allowed tobacconists to keep proprietary blends fresh and organized for discerning urban smokers.
Maker / Origin
The mark 'B:P:' corresponds to De Vergulde Blompot (The Gilded Flowerpot), one of Delft's famous 18th-century pottery workshops. Delft potters specialized in imitating Chinese blue-and-white porcelain using local earthenware covered in an opaque white tin glaze, creating a national aesthetic phenomenon.
Condition & Value
Appears in solid overall condition with normal glaze pitting, minor glaze rim flaking, and light surface patination on the brass lid. Authenticity of the brass lid to the ceramic body is a key value factor. Authentic 18th-century Delft tobacco jars with brass lids regularly bring $800–$1,500+ at auction.
Full Research
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.