Spouted Pot thumbnail 1
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Ceramics, Room 145

Spouted Pot

12th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The exact purpose of this delicate pot is unknown, but it would probably have been used for serving some kind of drink. Similar shaped pots were made in England in the 17th century for serving posset, a thick, curdled milk drink - the spout allowed the drinker to sip the liquid layer of the posset from underneath the thicker floating layer. It is possible that this was used in a similar way, with the spout acting like a straw to draw liquid up from the base of the pot.


Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Fritware with a white glaze
Brief description
Fritware spouted cup with three handles, Iran, 12th century.
Physical description
White fritware spouted cup with three handles.
Dimensions
  • Height: 11cm
  • Maximum width: 17cm
Gallery label
SPOUT -CUP White earthenware. PERSIAN; 12th century(Used until 11/2003)
Summary
The exact purpose of this delicate pot is unknown, but it would probably have been used for serving some kind of drink. Similar shaped pots were made in England in the 17th century for serving posset, a thick, curdled milk drink - the spout allowed the drinker to sip the liquid layer of the posset from underneath the thicker floating layer. It is possible that this was used in a similar way, with the spout acting like a straw to draw liquid up from the base of the pot.
Bibliographic reference
Lane, Arthur. Early Islamic Pottery. London: Faber and Faber, 1947. 52p., ill. Page 33, plate 38A
Collection
Accession number
C.858-1920

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Record createdNovember 7, 2003
Record URL
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