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

Spittoon

1775-78 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

A spittoon is a receptacle for spitting into. Spittoons have been used for centuries in many parts of the world, and their exact shape and function vary according to local habits. They may be used for spitting out the dregs of a drink, or the residue from chewing stimulants such as tobacco (in Europe) or betel nuts (in south-east Asia).


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Soft-paste porcelain transfer-printed in underglaze blue
Brief description
Spittoon of soft-paste porcelain transfer-printed in underglaze blue, Caughley Porcelain Factory, Caughley, ca. 1775-78
Physical description
Spittoon of soft-paste porcelain transfer-printed in underglaze blue. Globular body with wide flaring neck transfer-printed in cobalt blue with bouquets, fruit and scattered sprigs.
Dimensions
  • Height: 10.8cm
  • Diameter: 11.4cm
Marks and inscriptions
'S' (Painted in underglaze blue)
Credit line
Given by Alfred Darby, Esq.
Subjects depicted
Summary
A spittoon is a receptacle for spitting into. Spittoons have been used for centuries in many parts of the world, and their exact shape and function vary according to local habits. They may be used for spitting out the dregs of a drink, or the residue from chewing stimulants such as tobacco (in Europe) or betel nuts (in south-east Asia).
Bibliographic reference
For these patterns, see The Caughley Society, Caughley Blue & White Patterns, 2012, cat. CD10, whee dated 1775-78
Collection
Accession number
C.148-1921

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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