Maker: Spode  Pattern: Filigree

These oval pots go under various names, but their purpose was singular. Today most often called a bourdaloue supposedly so named after Pere Louis Bourdaloue (1632-1704) a Jesuit preacher at the court of Louis XIV, whose long sermons left the ladies of the court in some discomfort. However, the first known bourdaloue was of Dutch delftware and made about 1710, so this explanation appears to be apocryphal. They are also known as coach pots and crinoline slippers.
They were designed to offer particular convenience for ladies forced to endure long coach journies, operas as well as church services. This was at a time when ladies' lower undergarments had two legs and were not joined, so these pots were relatively easy to use. The method of subsequent disposal is not covered in the published literature.
This particular example was made by Spode about 1825 to 1830 and is decorated in their Filigree pattern; one of their most succesful floral patterns and first introduced in 1823. It is in impeccable condition, rare for a bourdaloue. There is no damage or restoration and the glaze is sound. As bright and clean as the day it was made.
Blue printed SPODE backstamp and an indistinctly impressed SPODE over a 4, plus blue printed potters mark.

Dimensions: 24 cm x 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm / 9.25 ins x 3 ins x 3 ins