Spittoon

Description

Little has been written on the history of hygienic utensils. At the time they were used they were no doubt taken for granted, and later discussion of them was prevented by decorum. In the field of ceramics this applies to the 'Bourdalou' (small transportable chamber pot) and the spittoon. Two "Speihmulten" (spittoons) are listed under crockery in the inventory of the Zurich/Schooren manufactory of 1800-01, but their shape is not described. Parallels to the present example are found in the Strasbourg faience of Paul Hannong, with blue decoration, but Hannong's catalogue does not list any crachoirs. In later French publications further turned spittoons are illustrated, together with other sorts of shapes for the same purpose. They are classified with tableware, and one wonders at what point in the meal, by whom and to whom these vessels, joined to their shaft handles by a screw thread or socket and filled probably with sawdust or ash, were passed for spitting.