JVV 0642
Delft, 1775-1800
Three Bells pottery
Mark: three bells
The two blue and white, ovoid tobacco jars with copper lids have a turned over rim. Both tobacco jars are painted with the same decoration: a pipe-smoking Indian wearing a headdress, half-seated, leaning against a chest with a forked leaf branch in front of which stands a tobacco jar. One jar is labelled with the tobacco variety “F. Rappée”, the other with “Martiniek”. To the left of this scene are a large woven basket with tobacco leaves, a chest with the VOC inscription, several bales and other goods. In the background on the right, sailing ships can be seen at sea.
Dimensions: height 27 cm / 10.6 in. With lid: height 33 cm / 13 in.
Explanatory note
The Netherlands imported large quantities of tobacco in the 18th century, which was processed here for consumption. Amsterdam in particular was an important centre in the tobacco trade. The large tobacco jars were displayed in tobacco shops where customers could choose from many different varieties. The type of tobacco or place of origin are often indicated on the jars.
