Posset Pot, 1678, England (Lambeth or Bristol). Tin-glazed earthenware. Lent by George Boyd, Jr

PHILADELPHIA, PA.-From the time porcelain arrived in the West from China during the 15th century, Europeans fervently sought the expensive Asian ceramic, and even attempted to fashion their own versions in different, less expensive mediums. In England, these attempts quickly evolved to ceramic production on an industrial scale, supplying markets throughout Europe and the Americas. Though many of its creators are long forgotten, English pottery from the 17th through 18th century is today valued for its idiosyncratic potting and often whimsical decoration. More than 50 ceramic works of delftware, salt-glazed stoneware and cream-colored earthenware lent by a handful of local Philadelphia collectors comprise Turned and Thrown: English Pottery, 1660-1820. .

...The earliest pieces in the exhibition were created in the style of “Delft” — tin-glazed earthenware named for the Dutch city in which potters first attempted to mimic traditional blue-and-white Chinese porcelain. Some of these delftware works may especially intrigue modern-day visitors. For instance, two spouted objects would have contained posset, a popular beverage that consisted of hot curdled milk with ale and wine, and was sucked through the pot’s long spout and passed from person to person. Other unusual delftware items include a puzzle jug (c. 1755) and a fuddling cup (1644), both of which functioned as “trick” drinking vessels. Used for practical joking during boisterous social gatherings, these vessels were meant to confuse and entertain unsuspecting guests by dousing them when they took a drink.

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Teapot with pierced decoration, Staffordshire, England, c. 1750-60, Private Collection.