A Rare Survivor - A 16th‑Century Dutch Antique Lead‑Glazed Earthenware Chamber Pot or Piss Pot – Circa 1580

A rare surviving example of 16th‑century Dutch domestic pottery, this lead‑glazed earthenware chamber pot dates to around 1580 and offers a vivid glimpse into early modern hygiene and household life. Made from coarse earthenware and finished in a rich green lead glaze, the pot features a wide open mouth, rounded belly, and single side handle — a form designed for practical use and ease of cleaning.

This type of vessel, colloquially known as a “piss pot”, was kept under beds or in cupboards for nighttime use before the advent of indoor plumbing. The glaze, now softly worn, retains its original treacly depth and shows signs of long domestic service. The pot’s survival is remarkable given its utilitarian function and fragility, and it stands as a tactile link to 16th‑century Dutch domestic culture.

Perfect for collectors of early ceramics, museum‑level domestic artefacts, or anyone seeking a conversation piece with real historical weight.

Provenance: Holland. Late 16th century. Previously in the private collection of a Cambridgeshire-based academic.

The vivid green copper-glaze on the exterior and the yellowish-ochre glaze on the interior were very common in Dutch redwares and whitewares from centres like Bergen op Zoom or Rotterdam. 

This is a classic lead glaze. The green colour is achieved by adding copper oxide to the glaze. The interior shows a yellowish-clear glaze, likely reflecting the natural colour of the clay body underneath.

The pulled handle and the broad, flat everted rim (designed for easy handling and to support a lid or sit in a wooden frame) are indicative of late 16th-century utilitarian vessels.

The crazing (the fine network of cracks in the glaze) is consistent with several centuries of age.

The frilled or thumbed foot visible at the base (where the potter pressed the clay to stabilise it) is a typical hallmark of the 16th and early 17th centuries.

Condition: Lead‑glazed earthenware with a green glaze and a treacly finish. Wide mouth, single handle, rounded belly. Age‑related wear, glaze losses and fritting, specifically to the outer rim of the base. Surface marks. The upper rim has had an element of sympathetic restoration. Structurally sound overall. Photos show the actual item.

Historical Context:

In 1580, such a pot would have been a standard but essential household item. While the "bright white" tin-glazed pottery (Delftware) was beginning to emerge as a luxury item, these green-glazed lead wares were the workhorses of the kitchen and bedchamber.

In summary, the pot is in remarkable condition for its age. Most examples found today are archaeological "wasters" or reconstructed from shards found in pit excavations. Finding a complete, non-excavated specimen with such vibrant glaze is quite rare.

Dimensions: Height 16.5 cm (6 1/2")