Punch pots, larger versions of teapots, were used to serve a group of guests. Ceramic wares in the forms of fruits and vegetables were especially popular in the Rococo style, about 1765-75. This example suggests a cauliflower, while other examples suggest gourds, melons and pineapples. The consumption of punch and wine brought about the production of an array of ceramic vessels for serving these popular beverages. Originating in India and brought to England by British sailors, punch derives its name from the Hindi word panch, or five, referring to the five traditional punch ingredients: water, sugar, citrus, spices and spirits, usually brandy, rum or red wine. Punch, served to a group of guests from bowls or punch pots, was mainly the purview of men, and the ability to prepare the best punch was a point of pride. England imported wines from Spain, Portugal, Germany and the Canary Islands, which were decanted from casks to wine bottles, such as those displayed here.
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Burnap