Object Number: Na191

Collection: Applied Art

Object Name: posset pot & cover

Description: Cylindrical bowl raised on four feet, two broad handles pierced with a hole; in centre of each side, a short spout below the rim fed from holes at the base; shallow domed cover pierced with two holes. The exterior is covered all-over with a yellow slip, applied and sgraffito decoration. On sides of bowl, four applied men in tricorne hats carrying spears, their arms projecting. The hollow spout tubes are concealed by bows, they and the handles are surrounded by applied wavy bands. Short wavy bands on the handles and sgraffito detailing on the figures and bows. Sgaffito inscriptions under and beside the figures arranged vertically and anti-clockwise: '`when you / do drinke do you roner [?? - probably remember] / mee for I am//glast with/mettell free/then fill//mee up to/Brim/and I will / make the / toste to swim// Made By me/Ao1686/James/Nicholls/Ao 1687/March the 14 day'. Cover surmounted by various four- and two-legged figures (now all either lacking heads or missing altogether); sgaffito detailing and inscription: 'James Nicholls Novemb[??] the day' .