The object of a vessel, in the end, determines its established form. Its purpose being to receive a hot caudle, demanded that the posset-pot or cup should have a cover to keep its contents warm. Its two handles never seem to have deserted it, until it became a shallow dish or bowl for broth. These handles undoubtedly served a purpose, but the love of ornament and the balance of vessels which were always of beautiful form and perfect symmetry demanded two handles, by which design they succeeded the style of the loving-cup handed around, but it is not possible to conceive that the posset-cup was other than for personal use.
POSSET-CUP AND COVER.
London, 1679. Cover, 1660. Height 7¹/₂ in.
(By courtesy of Lord Dillon.)
CHARLES II PORRINGER.
London, 1666.
(Photograph by courtesy of Messrs. Crichton Brothers.)