Lead tobacco jar, octagonal in shape with lid, finial in shape of head of a child, English, 1840-1860
Containers for tobacco were traditionally known as jars, whatever material was used to construct them. Made from lead, this tobacco jar was used so frequently the gold painted decoration has been rubbed off. Shredded tobacco used for smoking would have been stored in this jar and it may have been available in a public space, such as a tavern, or used in the home.
Lead jars were first introduced in the 1750s and remained popular until the 1900s.
Details
- Category:
- Smoking
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A220552
- Materials:
- lead (metal)
- Measurements:
-
overall: 140 mm x 150 mm x 110 mm, 1.77kg
- type:
- tobacco jar
- credit:
- Wellcome Trust (Purchased from Stevens)