Maker: Davenport  Pattern: Chinoiserie High Bridge

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 wonderful example is printed in a soft blue and apart from a one tiny tiny rub and a small glazing fault to the rim is in excellent condition.
Impressed backstamp Davenport (upper & lower case) above anchor.

Dimensions: 22 cm x 10.5 cm (widest) & 7.5 cm igh / 8.75 ins x 4 ins (widest) & 3 ins high