Two spittoons

anoniem, 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