Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Ceramics, Room 145

Bottle

ca. 1870 (made)
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Place of origin
Morocco (made)

The style of this unglazed water bottle is characteristic of ceramic ware produced in Rabat, Morocco. These wares were decorated with tar made from the sap of conifers. Used for storing water, their slight porosity helped keep their contents cool. This bottle was donated to the V&A by George Maw, founder of Maw & Co., a British manufacturer of ceramic tiles.


Object details

Categories
Africa
Ceramics
Object type
Bottle
Materials and techniques
Unglazed earthenware decorated with tar
Earthenware
Wood Tar
Brief description
Unglazed earthenware water bottle, Rabat, Morocco, ca. 1870
Physical description
Unglazed earthenware bottle with bulbous body and narrow neck. Double handled. Decorated with geometric patterns in fine lines of dark brown/black.
Dimensions
  • Height: 29cm
  • (maximum width) width: 17.5cm
Gallery label
  • These objects show two types of urban pottery from Morocco, traditionally made by men. The unglazed wares were decorated with tar derived from the sap of conifers, which was dabbed on with the finger by the pottery vendor while sitting at his stall. The glazed jars are examples of production at Fez, where blue-and-white became characteristic in the late nineteenth century. [60 words] Again acquisition by Maw helps us date them. 4. Two-handled jug Morocco, Rabat, about 1870 Unglazed earthenware, decorated with geometric patterns in tar These wares are used for drinking water, and are still made today. Museum no. 251-1872. Given by George Maw, Esq., F.G.S., F.S.A. [Text by Mariam Rosser-Owen prepared for new Ceramics galleries, 2008]
  • Vase, unglazed earthenware. MOROCCAN (RABAT); about 1860-70. Given by Mr.G.Maw. 251-1872(1954)
Credit line
Given by George Maw
Object history
Accessions register entry: 'Vase. Unglazed terra-cotta; bulbous neck and two handles; with black painted decoration. Moorish (Rabat). 1860-70. H. 11 ½ in., diam. base, 3 in. Given by G. Maw, Esq. [in hand - Broseley] [additional label pasted in - 'Vase, unglazed earthenware. Moroccan (Rabat); about 1860-70. Given by Mr. G. Maw']'
Summary
The style of this unglazed water bottle is characteristic of ceramic ware produced in Rabat, Morocco. These wares were decorated with tar made from the sap of conifers. Used for storing water, their slight porosity helped keep their contents cool. This bottle was donated to the V&A by George Maw, founder of Maw & Co., a British manufacturer of ceramic tiles.
Collection
Middle East Section
Accession number
251-1872

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdJune 26, 2008
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O157573/bottle-unknown/
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest