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Pair of Covered Jars (Pots de tabac)

c. 1779–1789
(French)
France, 18th century
Hard-paste porcelain with enamel and gilt decoration; metal mount
Diameter: 9.6 cm (3 3/4 in.); Overall: 14 cm (5 1/2 in.)
The Norweb Collection 1964.517
Location: not on view
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Did You Know?

Processes outlined in Simon Barbe’s 1693 Le Parfumeur Français (The French Perfumer) describe various ways to prepare snuff including the addition of scents, coloration of the powder, and several different grinding methods.

Description

Due to the discovery of the ingredient kaolin in Saint-Yrieix, France in 1768-69, European porcelain factories were able to replicate the prized hard-paste porcelain of China and Japan. In the years following, many porcelain factories opened in the area, including Faubourg Saint-Denis in 1772. These jars, sold alone or in sets, would have stored snuff, powdered tobacco meant to be inhaled, or loose tobacco for smoking.
Pair of Covered Jars (Pots de tabac)

Pair of Covered Jars (Pots de tabac)

c. 1779–1789

Faubourg Saint-Denis

(French)
France, 18th century

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