Lot 233
233
A SWEDISH PORPHYRY (BLYBERG) TOBACCO JAR
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more Porphyry was first discovered in Sweden at Alvdalen (needs a circle over the first A) in 1731, but was not commercially exploited until after 1788 by Eric Hagström under the direction of Nile Adam Bielke. Mining started in the 1780s and the works were acquired by Charles XIV, the first of the Bernadotte Kings of Sweden, with the intention of introducing the splendour of the French Empire style to Sweden. During this time many porphyry objects were distributed throughout Europe as diplomatic presents executed in a variety of types of porphyry. An inventory prepared for the Mining Intendance at Stockholm at the beginning of the 19th Century lists at least twenty-two. Two of this variety are properly categorised as granitelle, the remaining twenty are named after the parishes of Alvdalen from where they were quarried: Blyberg, Dysberg, Bredvad, Orrlok, Klitt, etc (see H. Sundblom and I. Tunander, Porphyre- La Pierre Royale, 1990, p. 2). The Alvdalen works were sold by the Royal Family in 1856 and were destroyed by fire ten years later. Subsequent production was sporadic and limited.
A SWEDISH PORPHYRY (BLYBERG) TOBACCO JAR

EARLY 19TH CENTURY

Details
A SWEDISH PORPHYRY (BLYBERG) TOBACCO JAR
EARLY 19TH CENTURY
The domed circular lid with knob finial, above the cylindrical body
9 in. (23 cm.) high; 4¼ in. (11 cm.) diameter
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

twenty are named after the parishes of Alvdalen from where they were quarried: Blyberg, Dysberg, Bredvad, Orrlok, Klitt, etc (see H. Sundblom and I. Tunander, Porphyre- La Pierre Royale, 1990, p. 2). The Alvdalen works were sold by the Royal Family in 1856 and were destroyed by fire ten years later. Subsequent production was sporadic and limited.

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