Two spittoons

anonymous, c. 1715 - c. 1725

The use of tobacco became extremely popular in the 18th century. Whether chewed or smoked, it produced juices in the mouth that were disposed of in specially designed receptacle called spittoons (also known as cuspidors, derived from the Portuguese word for ‘spitter’). These examples are appropriately decorated with scenes from the tobacco harvest. Enslaved men pick tobacco leaves, while plantation owners sit together smoking, with a few spittoons before them on the table.

  • Artwork typespittoon
  • Object numberBK-NM-12400-403
  • Dimensionsheight 8.9 cm x diameter 12.4 cm

Identification

  • Title(s)

    Two spittoons

  • Object type

  • Object number

    BK-NM-12400-403

  • Description

    Bolvormige kwispedoor met oor en uitlopende rand veelkleurig beschilderd met een doorlopende voorstelling van twee pijprokende heren en een zwarte man. Op de rand aan de bovenzijde zwarte tot slaaf gemaakte mannen die tabaksbladeren plukken en tot rollen draaien.

Creation

  • Creation

    plateelbakkerij: anonymous, Delft

  • Dating

    c. 1715 - c. 1725

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Material and technique

  • Dimensions

    height 8.9 cm x diameter 12.4 cm

This work is about

  • Subject

Acquisition and rights

  • Credit line

    Gift of the heirs of J.F. Loudon, The Hague

  • Acquisition

    gift 1916

  • Copyright

    Public domain

Documentation

Persistent URL

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  • Two spittoons
  • Two spittoons
  • Two spittoons