Water beaker or goblet, earthenware, with internal filter; probably Iraq (Baghdad), mid-19th century.

Beaker, grey earthenware, of inverted bell shape supported on a narrow flaring footrim, the interior with filter or strainer pierced in the form of a rosette.

Given by William Kennett Loftus, Esq. (1820-1858), a British geologist, naturalist, explorer and archaeological excavator. He discovered the ancient Sumerian city of Uruk, in 1849, and between 1849 and 1852 worked for the British government's Turco- Persian Frontier/Boundary Commission, established to settle the borders between Turkey (Ottoman Empire) and Iran. By 1856, he was in India. By 1856, he was in India. Transferred from the Museum of Practical Geology, Jermyn Street, London, in 1901.

This unglazed earthenware beaker is for serving water. The potter has added to the inside of the beaker a pierced clay filter or strainer. In the Middle East, especially in Egypt since the Fatimid period (969-1171), water jars and beakers were fitted with ceramic filters to prevent insects from contaminating the drinking water.

4286-1901