A Carlton Ware ceramic hand painted tobacco jar made for Dunhill.  This vibrant, very rare and unusual piece, was part of a collaboration between the two companies.  They partnered on a special version of the classic petrol 'lift arm' table lighter model which was introduced by Dunhill, first appearing in their catalogue in 1957.  An example of this is also for sale on this website.

The body of the jar features a number of concentric circle lines that have been hand applied to the jar in a painstaking and accurate manner.  The colours start with a charcoal and brighten up into blues, green, grey and then a purple at the top.  The lid is repeated in the same design.

Carlton Ware was founded in Stoke on Trent, the Victorian pottery capital of England, in 1890.  They are perhaps best known for making the ceramic figures for the Guinness Brewing company, along with their work with Dunhill.  They made a number of jars similar to this that perfectly accompanied the decorated lighter bodies made and decorated by the ceramic artists.  It is therefore unusual for an example such as this to appear, as research has not turned up a lighter with a body decorated like this, and signed Dunhill.

The signature that featured on the base was one that was used by Carlton Ware from 1925 all the way up until 1970.  It is difficult to accurately date the piece, but knowing that the two companies were working together from the 1950's, it would be fair to assume this piece dates circa 1950's. However, it does an earlier, more Art Deco feel to it.

The jar is in excellent fully original condition.  The original rubber seal around the interior rim of the lid is still in tact.  It has dried, but still helps to keep a good seal.  This piece could still be used to keep plant derived products in, and keep them fresh.  Made in England, circa 1950's.