Tobacco Leaf Covered Sugar
Best heirloom-quality accent for collectors of classic, ornate dining serveware.
Elevate your serveware with the Mottahedeh Tobacco Leaf Covered Sugar, a masterpiece inspired by an extravagant 18th-century Chinese export design. This exquisite piece features a delicate phoenix bird amidst the vibrant leaves of the flowering Nicotiana plant, rendered in twenty-seven distinct colors and accented with genuine 22k gold. As one of Mottahedeh's most enduring and popular patterns, it embodies timeless artistry. This covered sugar bowl is a luxurious addition to any fine collection, showcasing centuries of craftsmanship and appeal.
$475.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
37
/ 1108
#37 in Sugar Bowls & Creamers
Price vs Category Average
+330%
Above average
Who it's for
- Design lovers seeking authentic 18th-century aesthetic appeal
- Quality seekers valuing artisanal porcelain craftsmanship
- Serious collectors building a high-value decorative arts portfolio
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers prioritizing everyday affordability
- Busy households needing dishwasher-safe convenience
- Minimalists looking for purely functional kitchenware
Performance breakdown
Artistic Detail
Twenty-seven vibrant colors capture the complexity of the original museum piece.
Material Quality
Fine porcelain construction offers a refined, heirloom-grade feel.
Decorative Finish
Genuine 22k gold accents provide a sophisticated, high-end luster.
Design Heritage
An iconic 18th-century pattern with unmatched historical provenance.
Maintenance Ease
Hand-washing is required to protect the delicate gold and colors.
Functional Versatility
The included lid keeps contents fresh but limits microwave and dishwasher use.
Key Specs
Pattern based on an original in the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Features 27 distinct colors
Accented with 22k gold
Material
Porcelain
Design style
18th century pattern
Included components
Sugar Bowl, Lid
Item type
Sugar Bowl
Microwave safe
No
Features
- Historic 18th-century export design
- Intricate phoenix and tobacco plant motif
- Rich, multi-color decoration
- Genuine 22k gold accents
- Longest-running and most popular pattern
- Includes a lid for covered storage
- Based on a museum original
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Mottahedeh Tobacco Leaf Covered Sugar for its exquisite aesthetic and heirloom quality. The vibrant, historically accurate pattern and meticulous hand painted details are consistently described as breathtaking. Reviewers appreciate the substantial weight and feel of the high quality porcelain, confirming superior craftsmanship. This piece is viewed as a luxurious centerpiece and a significant collector's item. While the price is premium, buyers feel the investment is justified by the enduring beauty and historical significance. The overall consensus highlights exceptional visual and tactile quality, making it a cherished future family heirloom.
Know before you buy
No, this piece is not dishwasher or microwave safe. Due to the delicate 22k gold accents and intricate hand-painted details, it should be hand-washed with mild soap to preserve its finish.
The Tobacco Leaf pattern is based on an original 18th-century Chinese export design currently held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is one of Mottahedeh’s most iconic and enduring patterns, celebrated for its complex, multi-colored motif.
Yes, the set includes both the sugar bowl and a matching lid, which helps keep contents protected and adds to the piece's traditional aesthetic.
The pattern is remarkably detailed, featuring 27 distinct colors that bring the phoenix and flowering Nicotiana plant motif to life.
While it is a functional piece of serveware, its fine porcelain construction and gold detailing make it best suited for special occasions, formal tea services, or as a decorative accent in a collection.
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