Royal Doulton Series Ware Tobacco Jar & Original Pierced Humidor Lid – D4077 – “Piping Down the Valleys Wild” – Reg. No. 597783 – c.1912

A scarce and highly collectible Royal Doulton Series Ware tobacco jar, beautifully decorated with the pattern “Piping Down the Valleys Wild”, inspired by the opening lines of William Blake’s Songs of Innocence.

Registered in 1912, this handsome Edwardian tobacco jar retains its original one-piece pierced ceramic humidor lid, a feature often misunderstood and rarely found complete.

Unlike many tobacco jars of the period that originally contained a separate loose liner, this model was designed with an integral pierced humidifying insert formed as part of the lid itself.

The pierced underside projects into the aperture of the jar, helping to regulate moisture and preserve the tobacco while allowing air circulation. It is an ingenious Royal Doulton design and an important feature confirming the piece is complete.

The broad olive-green Art Nouveau border bears the title “PIPING DOWN THE VALLEYS WILD” in stylised lettering, while the body is decorated with a charming scene of the youthful piper from William Blake’s famous poem, surrounded by birds in a pastoral landscape. The lid continues the bird motif, producing a balanced and decorative design.

Registered Design No. 597783 dates this tobacco jar to 1912, making it an excellent example of Royal Doulton’s pre-First World War Series Ware.

Condition

● Excellent antique condition.

● Original one-piece pierced ceramic humidor lid present.

● No chips, cracks or repairs noted.

● Fine overall crazing to the glaze, consistent with age and typical of early Royal Doulton Series Ware.

● Displays beautifully.

● Please refer to all photographs as they form part of the description.

Marks

● Royal Doulton England backstamp.

● Pattern number D4077.

● Registered Design No. 597783.

Measurements

● Height: 18 cm

● Base: Approximately 14 cm across at the widest point.

A fine example of Royal Doulton’s early twentieth-century pottery, combining literary inspiration, Art Nouveau styling and innovative Edwardian design. Increasingly difficult to find complete, making it an excellent addition to collections of Royal Doulton, William Blake, Arts & Crafts ceramics or antique tobacciana.

Postage

Packed with great care using professional packing materials. Combined postage is available where practical.

International Buyers

Import duties, taxes and customs charges may apply depending on your destination country and are the responsibility of the purchaser. For buyers in the USA, Australia Post currently collects applicable import charges at lodgement where required, and these are added to the invoice.