Tobacco lighter; France or Germany, c. 1870

Tobacco lighter; France or Germany, c. 1870
Patinated bronze
Measurements: 53 x 20 x 20 cm.

Rare patinated bronze tobacco lighter with Renaissance decoration; ornamented at the bottom with floral motifs and elements of hunting and fishing. The central column or vast ago is composed of four figures representing the continents (Europe, Africa, Asia and America), being crowned by an oil lamp. The set is completed with the figure of an Indian carrying a basket for cedar leaves or matches, while rings of reeds and foliage allow the placement of up to twelve cigars.

This type of object was designed to enhance the decoration of a prestigious tobacco establishment.

Throughout history, tobacco has played a significant role in various cultures, not only as a consumer product, but also as a ritual, economic and social symbol. Its introduction into Europe after contact with America marked the beginning of a practice that soon spread globally, influencing everything from aristocratic customs to popular rituals. In this context, objects used for smoking, such as pipes, acquired a relevance that transcended their practical functionality.