Cuspidor 1849 - 1856

This "Cuspidor" is a ceramic spittoon created by the United States Pottery Company, a prominent producer of utilitarian ceramics in the 19th century. The vessel's marbled glaze is a striking example of the decorative techniques used in American pottery during this period. The shape, with its fluted sides and a small opening at the top, reflects the function of the cuspidor as a receptacle for expectoration, a common practice in the era before modern hygiene standards. The piece is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, offering a glimpse into the material culture of the mid-19th century.