English and European Ceramics and Glass - 2nd October 2012
Lot 394
A Delft drug jar and metal cover 18th/19th century
Estimate £200 - £300 | Hammer £220
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Description
A Delft drug jar and metal cover 18th/19th century, inscribed 'TONKA' within a blue cartouche of leaf scrolls surmounted with a vase of flowers, the cover later, 26cm. (2)
Tonka beans are now a banned substance in many countries, but had a variety of occult and more mundane uses. Some believed that desires could be fulfilled by carrying around a bean until the wish came true and then burying or stamping on it.
