Posset pot with Chinese decoration

Posset pot with Chinese decoration

Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Large tin glazed earthenware posset pot, Chinese decoration, Dutch, 1701-1750

A popular treatment for colds and other minor illnesses, posset was traditionally made from hot milk curdled with ale or wine and could be thickened with breadcrumbs. Spices were sometimes also added. Posset pots generally have two handles and a spout through which the mixture can be sucked , although the mixture could be spooned out for those less able to feed themselves. Such pots could also be used to feed soup to a patient or help them take in fluids. Dutch posset pots tend to be straight sided and this is a typical example.

Details

Category:
Nursing & Hospital Furnishings
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A43302
Materials:
earthenware (tin glazed)
Measurements:
overall: 210 mm x 340 mm x 264 mm, 2.74 kg
type:
posset pot
credit:
Foster