Lot #209: That photo of the lid confirms it: this is absolutely a tobacco humidor.

That is a beautiful piece! This is a ceramic humidor jar, which is quite a different beast compared to the standard wooden boxes. These were very popular in the mid-20th century for pipe tobacco or loose cigars. Based on the photos, here is what we’re looking at: 1. The Maker's Mark The green shield with the "Hand Made" text on the bottom is a classic mark. While these pastoral, scenic designs were common in European ceramics (often Italian or German), yours is in excellent condition. The transferware scene depicts a 18th-century style village or pastoral life, which was a very popular aesthetic for tobacco accessories. 2. Functional Anatomy The Humidifier: That tan, circular disc on the underside of the lid is a clay or sponge humidifier. To use it, you traditionally would put a few drops of distilled water on it so it could slowly release moisture into the jar. The Seal: Since this is ceramic, it doesn't "breathe" like cedar. It relies entirely on the fit of the lid. Check if there is a rubber gasket or if it’s a simple ceramic-on-ceramic fit. 3. Tips for Using This Today If you plan on putting tobacco or cigars in here, keep these two things in mind: Modern Upgrade: The old clay disc in the lid can be prone to mold if left damp for too long. Many collectors today actually leave that disc dry and simply toss a small Boveda humidity pack inside the jar instead. It’s much more precise. Airtightness: Ceramic jars are fantastic at holding humidity if the lid fits tightly. If you notice your tobacco drying out quickly, you might need to add a thin food-grade silicone ring to the lid to improve the seal. It’s a fantastic vintage find Pickup category timeslot {A}