Tabakspot met deksel van zilver, met hoge voet op blad van ebbenhout. Dekselknop in de vorm van vruchtenblad.

About this artwork

hoogte 15 cm x lengte 16 cm x breedte 13 cm x gewicht 596 gr

Art Historical Context

Behold the elegant *Tabakspot met deksel van zilver* (Silver-Lidded Tobacco Jar), crafted in 1842 by Dutch silversmiths J. Lang and C. Koops. Standing at 15 cm high, 16 cm long, and 13 cm wide, with a substantial 596 grams of silver, this lidded jar features a high foot mounted on a rich ebony base. The lid's knob, sculpted in the shape of a fruit leaf, adds a naturalistic flourish, blending functionality with subtle ornamentation. Dating to the mid-19th century, this piece reflects the height of Dutch silver craftsmanship during the Biedermeier era, a time when everyday luxury items like tobacco jars symbolized refined taste and social status. Tobacco and snuff use were fashionable among the bourgeoisie, and such vessels—often commissioned from skilled workshops—protected the precious contents while serving as table centerpieces. The collaboration between Lang and Koops highlights the guild traditions of specialized artisanship, where silver was chased, engraved, or repoussed for durability and shine. The juxtaposition of gleaming silver with the dark, exotic ebony underscores cultural exchanges via colonial trade, evoking opulence in compact form. A testament to 19th-century design restraint, it invites visitors to appreciate how silversmiths elevated the utilitarian into art.