Posset pot c. 1690

Editor: Here we have a Posset Pot from around 1690 by an anonymous artist, residing here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. I'm struck by the quaint, almost whimsical quality of this ceramic piece, with its creamy white glaze adorned with these lively blue floral motifs. How would you interpret this little beauty? Curator: It whispers tales of a time when posset—a sort of hot milk punch, thick and custardy, and spiked with ale or wine—was a favored nightcap! Imagine gathering in candlelight, sharing stories over steaming cups. I see not just a container but a vessel of community and comfort, the blues and whites a gentle dance between refinement and homeliness. What do you think those flowers might have symbolized back then? Editor: Maybe purity? Or perhaps just a general appreciation for the beauty in everyday life? The swirling patterns almost feel like a visual echo of the warm, frothy drink it once held. I hadn't really thought about the social context so closely before. Curator: Indeed. Think about the person who crafted this pot. They weren't just shaping clay, they were contributing to a ritual, embedding intention and artistry into an object of daily life. The slight imperfections, the hand-painted designs—they tell a story of human touch, of warmth and care passed down through generations. Doesn’t it feel good knowing it outlasted all its users? Editor: Absolutely! It gives me a new appreciation for decorative arts and craftsmanship. Curator: Me too; isn’t it magnificent how objects can connect us so tangibly to the past, stirring echoes of lives lived long ago, just through a simple ceramic piece? A warming reminder that some things, like good company and cozy drinks, are truly timeless.