[Marcia Selsor]

This follows the rule form follows function. Found in the folk museum in Pontevedra, Spain. The ridge designed on the should is a major factor. It is a built-in defense mechanism.
answer will come on July 6.

 mysterypot2.jpg (37.17K)
Number of downloads: 106

Marcia

[Matt Oz]

I'm going to guess that the ridge keeps rodents out, or insects maybe.

[Marcia Selsor]

Yes.
more to come....and further guesses.....?

[Nelly]

Marcia Selsor, on 04 July 2012 - 01:52 PM, said:

Yes.
more to come....and further guesses.....?

Dear All,

My observations:

1. Close fitting lid
2. I am wondering about whether the lid inverts to ensure something is retained or caught
3. Wide or large size vessel
4. Simple decorating

Guesses:

1. Fruit added to pot with booze for a type of cordial
2. Compost pot
3. Vegetable or fruit cold cellar
4. Chamber pot collection vessel??

The lid to me is what is the biggest clue. It appears to have some sort of fairly close seal.

My two cents.

Nelly

[Marcia Selsor]

Hi Nelly,
I think you are misreading the form. That is not a lid but a ridge and a collar/lip about 4-5 inches wide.

Marcia

[smokin pots]

Looks like a giant strawberry. Maybe a preserve jug ?


juli

[OffCenter]

The ridge alone wouldn't keep anything out so it must be there to hold water so that bugs can't continue on up to the lip, right?

Jim

[Matt Oz]

OffCenter, on 04 July 2012 - 06:19 PM, said:

The ridge alone wouldn't keep anything out so it must be there to hold water so that bugs can't continue on up to the lip, right?

Jim

Maybe the ridge itself had some deterrent applied to it.

[Nelly]

Matt Oz, on 04 July 2012 - 06:06 PM, said:

OffCenter, on 04 July 2012 - 06:19 PM, said:

The ridge alone wouldn't keep anything out so it must be there to hold water so that bugs can't continue on up to the lip, right?

Jim

Maybe the ridge itself had some deterrent applied to it.

Dear All,

Okay, the lid has nothing to do with it but is simply a type of extension of the pot??

New guesses:

What about a rain barrel?

We can't see the top of the vessel. Maybe it has a grate like a Walter Ostrum pot? Thus, a big flower vase!

A type of straining vessel for something like wine or honey?

It does have ridges....could these be useful? It would provide a strong grip on the pot for lifting.

Hmmm...made in Spain. What do we know about Spain??

What is the prize?

Nelly

[Nelly]

Matt Oz, on 04 July 2012 - 06:06 PM, said:

OffCenter, on 04 July 2012 - 06:19 PM, said:

The ridge alone wouldn't keep anything out so it must be there to hold water so that bugs can't continue on up to the lip, right?

Jim

Maybe the ridge itself had some deterrent applied to it.

Dear All,

Okay, the lid has nothing to do with it but is simply a type of extension of the pot??

New guesses:

What about a rain barrel?

We can't see the top of the vessel. Maybe it has a grate like a Walter Ostrum pot? Thus, a big flower vase!

A type of straining vessel for something like wine or honey?

It does have ridges....could these be useful? It would provide a strong grip on the pot for lifting.

Hmmm...time period and place of origin may help us.

What is the prize?

Nelly

[Marcia Selsor]

I would say it is 19th century. I imagine it had a cloth bonnet or an actual lid but it is not present. The important aspect is the high ridged wall on the shoulder of the vessel.
That is what makes this pot some amazing. That ridge serves a specific function in the design purpose of this vessel.
I wanted to wait until Friday to give people a chance to think about it.

Marcia

[Nelly]

Marcia Selsor, on 05 July 2012 - 07:18 AM, said:

I would say it is 19th century. I imagine it had a cloth bonnet or an actual lid but it is not present. The important aspect is the high ridged wall on the shoulder of the vessel.
That is what makes this pot some amazing. That ridge serves a specific function in the design purpose of this vessel.
I wanted to wait until Friday to give people a chance to think about it.

Marcia

Dear Marcia,

A fish catching vessel? A milk, cream or butter container.

But the bonnet implies something inside is being delicately protected from something outside. It could also mean a protective source to allow the contents to breathe?

Hmmm...?

Still stumped here in Canada.

Sorry, I did notice that you said Spain when I reviewed your original post.

Nelly

[Marcia Selsor]

I didn't see this before noon today. Sorry for not responding sooner.
Jim AKA Of fcenter is correct. This is a honey jar. Water is filled behind the ridge on the shoulder and keeps ants away.

I think this is brilliant. Probably this was not a new invention. People/potters can be so inventive.
Anyway, the answer is a Honey Jar with a water reservoir repelling ants.

Marcia

[Matt Oz]

Yeah I figured he was right, seemed logical

Here is a more modern one I found on google from this web sight....http://www.maineanti...ex.html?id=1465
sold for $18,700

[Marcia Selsor]

I like that one. $18k is a healthy price too. I am thinking of some custom cat
bowls for my cats. The ants get in there if they don't eat all their food.
Thanks for that link! Interesting.
OK someone else post a "what is it?" There are so many interesting pots out there.
Marcia

[Nelly]

Marcia Selsor, on 05 July 2012 - 02:48 PM, said:

I like that one. $18k is a healthy price too. I am thinking of some custom cat
bowls for my cats. The ants get in there if they don't eat all their food.
Thanks for that link! Interesting.
OK someone else post a "what is it?" There are so many interesting pots out there.
Marcia

Dear Marcia,

That was fun. Really get you thinking about the use of pots. Thank you!!

Nelly

[OffCenter]

Please send all prizes to me in care of Lizella Clay.

Jim