Posset pot 1715

This posset pot of unknown date was made by an anonymous artist and is an object that delights with its whimsical design and the charm of its blue-and-white decoration. The pot itself is a study in contrasting forms. Its body is cylindrical, offering a smooth, continuous surface for the painted scene, while the handles are ornate, twisting into elaborate curls. The base flares out in a series of stylized leaves, adding a touch of extravagance. The narrative scene that wraps around the pot is rendered in shades of blue against the stark white of the porcelain. The pastoral landscape—a milkmaid, a cow, and a figure carrying buckets—evokes a sense of idyllic simplicity. Yet, it also serves as a backdrop for the pot's function. The very structure of this object, from its robust handles to its stable base, speaks to its purpose. But it is the painted narrative that elevates it beyond mere utility, inviting us to imagine the rituals of hospitality and nourishment it once facilitated.