Majolica Smokers

In the last quarter of the 19th century and the first quarter of the 20th century majolica smoking paraphernalia was one of the leading products made by pottery companies. Particularly popular on the Continent, German, French and Austrian potters were always looking for novel ways to appeal to this large smoking audience. One of the most whimsical products created was the figural smoker. Often mistaken for match strikers or incense burners by today’s collector these smokers proved to be an amusing alternative to the ashtrays and smoking sets available in such quantity.

The idea behind the smoker was quite simple. At the base there was a large enclosed ash tray for the smoker to place their lit cigar, pipe or cigarette. Above this there was usually a figure of some sort with an open mouth. The smoke would rise from the ashtray and come out through the figure’s mouth giving the illusion of the figure exhaling smoke. Most frequently the figure would be something completely inappropriate like an anthropomorphic animal or a child to add to the amusement. Sometimes these are combined with match strikers. Most of these smokers were unmarked so we don’t have an idea who actually made them, the exception being WS&S who marked most of their wares and carried large lines of smoking paraphernalia.

Marked F.K.& Co., Bohemia

Wilhelm Schiller & Son dog smoker

Massier majolica boar smoker

Now, smoking paraphernalia isn’t as popular a collectible as it once was as society has turned away from tobacco products for health reasons but the legacy left by these potters continues to provide amusement to collectors savvy enough to pick these up when they come across them.