Ceramic object
pot; bird pot; sparrow potAccession number: A11658Collection place: London Production date: 1580-1700 Material: ceramic; earthenware Measurements: H 191 mm; DM 155 mm Museum Section: Post-Medieval Summary: London-area post-medieval redware 'sparrow' or bird pot. The vessel is of bottle form with a semi-circular slotted aperture for fixing and an integral lug perch (the wooden stick is missing). Bird pots were hung under the eaves or from a garden wall to encourage nesting and sometimes the eggs and squabs were removed for eating. These pots were used throughout Europe and several examples have been recovered from excavations in London dating to the 16th and 17th centuries. The 16th-century inventory of the Bridge House Estate includes a payment in March 1526 of 4d for five 'sparrow pottes' for the garden. Location: Not currently on display. For information contact the Museum. Sub-category: London-area redware. |