Sold 19 January 2026 · Jane Short Antiques

This “German Porcelain Tobacco Jar” found a buyer.

It was listed by Jane Short Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Antique Tobacco Jar Antique Ceramic Humidor Ask the dealer for something similar

Description

A large German porcelain tobacco jar in the form of an old man reading 'The Times" newspaper.

In excellent condition with no chips or cracks. One of eight from a collection.

Circa 1900-1910.

We can deliver free of charge in UK mainland.

Payment by bank transf4r. PayPal or card via telephone

Physical Dimensions

Height

24cm (9.45")

Width

13cm (5.12")

Depth

15cm (5.91")

Declaration

Jane Short Antiques has dated this German Porcelain Tobacco Jar to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1182918

Dealers Internal Reference

A4858

Description

A large German porcelain tobacco jar in the form of an old man reading 'The Times" newspaper.

In excellent condition with no chips or cracks. One of eight from a collection.

Circa 1900-1910.

We can deliver free of charge in UK mainland.

Payment by bank transf4r. PayPal or card via telephone

Physical Dimensions

Height

24cm (9.45")

Width

13cm (5.12")

Depth

15cm (5.91")

Date of Manufacture

Jane Short Antiques has dated this German Porcelain Tobacco Jar to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1182918

Dealers Internal Ref

A4858

About the Dealer

Jane Short Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2020

30 years of expertise in 17th- to early 20th-century furniture and fine art

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Jane Short Antiques Profile Page

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SAVE

A painted German porcelain tobacco jar shaped as a seated man in a blue robe reading a newspaper.

1 / 6

Archive I

German Porcelain Tobacco Jar

Archive II

Archive III

A painted German porcelain tobacco jar shaped as a seated man in a blue robe reading a newspaper. View III

Archive IV

A painted German porcelain tobacco jar shaped as a seated man in a blue robe reading a newspaper. View IV

Archive V

A painted German porcelain tobacco jar shaped as a seated man in a blue robe reading a newspaper. View V

Archive VI

A painted German porcelain tobacco jar shaped as a seated man in a blue robe reading a newspaper. View VI

Jane Short Antiques

Telephone 07850 937057 or 07540 126714

Location

Sudbury
Suffolk
United Kingdom

Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/janeshort

Verified Since Mar 2020

Items For Sale 190

Items Sold 948

Email Jane Short Antiques

German Porcelain Tobacco Jar

Ref: SA1182918

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Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

Cataloguer’s Note

Sustainable Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectDecorative Objects
Period1900 - 1920
StyleVictorian & Gothic
MaterialPorcelain
ColourMulticoloured
MotifsFigural sculpture, Hand-painted floral pattern, Moulded facial features
SizeH 24 cm (9 in) x W 13 cm (5 in) x D 15 cm (6 in)

FAQs

German figural tobacco jars gained immense popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often manufactured in regions renowned for porcelain production such as Thuringia and Bavaria. These jars were designed to keep tobacco moist while serving as whimsical or satirical desk and mantel ornaments.

These pieces are typically crafted from hard-paste porcelain, hand-painted with polychrome enamels, and often finished with a high-gloss glaze. Many incorporated specialised inner lids or dampener sponges inside the cavity to preserve the quality of the leaf.

Authenticity is generally determined by examining the porcelain body, hand-painted details, crazing of the glaze, and any makers marks or registration numbers stamped on the base, which correspond to known German factories of the period.

These characterful objects work well as sculptural accents on a bookshelf, desk, or mantelpiece, adding a touch of historical interest and curated eccentricity to contemporary or traditional spaces.

Care involves dusting gently with a soft, dry cloth and avoiding harsh chemical cleaners or submersion in water, especially if the piece features delicate overglaze enamel painting or gold leaf detailing.