Maker: Spode  Pattern: Tower

A lovely and unusual piece. 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 journeys, operas as well as church services.
Backstamp: impressed Spode over 18 and blue printed Spode.
Underneath there is just a little very minor parting of the clay along the mould joint, otherwise excellent condition.

Dimensions: 18 cm x 9 cm & 8 cm deep / 7 ins x 3.5 ins & 3.25 ins deep