Bulb Pot and Tray

Period1864 or 1890

Place MadeEngland

MediumEarthenware

Dimensions5.13 × 4 × 7.75 in. (13 × 10.2 × 19.7 cm)

ClassificationsEarthenware

Credit LineGift of J.B. Morris, Jr., 1957

Object number1979.501.412

DescriptionThis is a bulb pot with a matching tray in the shape of a naturalistic hedgehog. It is coated in a bright green glaze, with lines traced throughout the head and body to indicate the texture of the animal. Across the body, many small holes create space for planted bulbs to peek through. The tray, which holds the soil of the plant, follows the silhouette of the body, narrowing at the head and rear.
Curatorial RemarksThis bulb pot complements the rapidly growing interest in nature and gardening in the 1780s. Originally described as "porkoipins for snodrops," the holes punctured throughout the body were the perfect fit for a snowdrop bulb, a drooping white flower that resembles falling snow. Planting in a bulb pot allowed buyers to bring the outdoors in, especially when the bulb pot itself is in the shape of a garden critter. This particular animal has features similar to a rat, with a narrow snout and beady eyes, but the body is most comparable to a hedgehog. Hedgehogs serve as gentle defenders, most commonly in the United Kingdom, because they prey upon garden pests and protect budding nature.

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