VESSEL

A ceramic eagle fragment from a Post Medieval redware vessel, dating to the 17th century. The clay is light red with very fine inclusions. The slip appears black but this may be a result of discolouration whilst in the Thames. The object is in the shape of a moulded eagle, with two arches on the underside of the body so that it follows the line of the vessel it would have been attached to. There is detailing on either side of the wings, which are together, and also on the beak and eyes. There is also a decorative projection behind the head. The object has been broken underneath, at the shoulders and tail, where it would have attached to the vessel. There is wear on the tip of the beak which may also indicate attachment to the vessel, though based on similar examples it is unlikely. Much of the red slip is visible, having been worn away, and the slip is cracked in places.

This object has been identified by Roy Stephenson as a 17th century chaffing dish attachment, probably from a continental vessel. There are no exact parallels for this example, the closest being from a Low Countries polychrome slipware bowl, dating AD 1600-1650 (Hurst, Neal and van Beuningen, 1986, 172).

Dimensions: length: 59.52 mm; width: 19.31 mm; thickness: 31.47 mm; weight: 22.79g.

Identified by Roy Stephenson Medieval and Post Medieval pottery specialist.

Reference: Hurst, J. G., Neal, D. S. and van Beuningen, H.J.E. 1986. Pottery produced and traded in North-West Europe 1350-1650. Rotterdam papers six.