Slate tobacco jar, United Kingdom, 1877-1879
This tobacco jar is likely to have been placed on a table at social engagements for everyone to use. Such large and elaborate tobacco jars were a symbol of wealth. Made from slate, the jar has been lacquered and painted on the front and back with flowers. The sides feature domestic scenes, including a man taking snuff and another being served with a feast of a pig’s head. The lid bears the date “10 August 1879”.
Object number:
A18953
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: tobacco
No description.
Glossary: tobacco jar
No description.
Glossary: snuff
Tobacco that has been finely powdered. Snuff is usually sniffed through the nose, or applied to the gums with a finger.
Glossary: lacquer
A varnish that dries by the process of evaporation to provide a hard, protective finish.