Slop Bowl: A Vital Element of Victorian Tea Rituals
Slop Bowl
59.179.1.20
Circa 1870
Material: Hand painted earthenware
Description
A slop bowl, or slop basin, was an essential part of a traditional tea set in the 19th century.
Used to discard cold tea and leaf deposits before refreshing the pot with new leaves and hot water, it helped maintain the quality of each cup.
In some households, servants were given the used tea leaves, which they could repurpose for cleaning.
During the Victorian era, tea was an expensive luxury, often imported from China and India and taxed heavily. As a result, families sometimes commissioned ornate, air-tight caddies to protect and preserve the precious tea, complete with locks to safeguard its aroma and flavor.
Fun Fact!
The earliest iced tea recipes in 19th-century America included alcohol, and the beverage was served as a refreshing punch. Today, iced tea is enjoyed globally, primarily as a non-alcoholic drink.