Description
Rare 19th C. English Blue & White Marbleized Porcelain Bourdaloue (Ladies' Chamber Pot), England, Circa 1860
A rare and refined example of Victorian-era sanitary design, this 19th-century English porcelain bourdaloue"”also known as a slipper pot"”was designed for discreet personal use by women, particularly before the widespread adoption of indoor plumbing. The elongated oval form was intended to fit comfortably beneath the skirts of seated or squatting users, often used in carriages, at church, or in private quarters.
Named (possibly apocryphally) for the Jesuit priest Louis Bourdaloue, whose famously lengthy sermons allegedly required such a convenience, this piece reflects both ingenuity and social constraint of the era.
Crafted in fine porcelain and decorated with a delicate cobalt marbleized glaze, this piece merges elegance with function. The scroll handle and softly curved silhouette are typical of higher-quality examples from the mid-19th century.
Condition:
Very good antique condition with a structural firing line from the original production process, visible near the handle and along the base. This is not a later crack or repair but a stable and common kiln-related flaw in early porcelain. No chips, restorations, or losses.
Dimensions:
9.5" W x 4" D x 4.5" H
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Good
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor structural damages.
Dimensions:
Height: 4.5 in.
Width: 9.5 in.
Depth: 4 in.
Category: Serving Dishes & Pieces
Materials: Porcelain
Creator: Styled After: Staffordshire
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $27.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S. International: No International Shipping for this auction. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding. Location: This item ships from West Palm Beach, FL
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
A rare and refined example of Victorian-era sanitary design, this 19th-century English porcelain bourdaloue"”also known as a slipper pot"”was designed for discreet personal use by women, particularly before the widespread adoption of indoor plumbing. The elongated oval form was intended to fit comfortably beneath the skirts of seated or squatting users, often used in carriages, at church, or in private quarters.
Named (possibly apocryphally) for the Jesuit priest Louis Bourdaloue, whose famously lengthy sermons allegedly required such a convenience, this piece reflects both ingenuity and social constraint of the era.
Crafted in fine porcelain and decorated with a delicate cobalt marbleized glaze, this piece merges elegance with function. The scroll handle and softly curved silhouette are typical of higher-quality examples from the mid-19th century.
Condition:
Very good antique condition with a structural firing line from the original production process, visible near the handle and along the base. This is not a later crack or repair but a stable and common kiln-related flaw in early porcelain. No chips, restorations, or losses.
Dimensions:
9.5" W x 4" D x 4.5" H
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Good
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor structural damages.
Dimensions:
Height: 4.5 in.
Width: 9.5 in.
Depth: 4 in.
Category: Serving Dishes & Pieces
Materials: Porcelain
Creator: Styled After: Staffordshire
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Good
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor structural damages.
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor structural damages.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Rare 19th C. English Blue & White Marbleized Porcelain Bourdaloue
Estimate $490-$1,460
Starting Price
$340
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Shipping & Pickup DetailsItem located in: Florida, US $27 Shipping in the US
See More Items From This Chairish Estate Finds Seller
See More Items From This Chairish Estate Finds Seller
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Heritage & Home: Antiques & Design Classics 2
May 15, 2026 7:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
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