Description:  A very unusual and very rare Hot Water Dish made up of 3 pieces. First, hot water would be poured into the bottom bowl, food placed on the dish and the top placed. Unlike other Hot Water Dishes without covers, this one would keep the food warm for a long time. This example is extraordinary as all 3 pieces are in perfect condition with its original pair of twisted brass wire handles. If any of the 3 pieces is missing its value is substantially reduced.

Things to note–all surfaces of the 3 pieces that contact each other are unglazed. The top fits into a inset rim in the insert. The brass handles are attached on both sides to loop knobs. The bottom is unglazed and has 3 feet, each about 2 1/2″ long. Lastly, the Foo Dog knob (1″ long x 5/8″ tall) is poorly made compared to the dogs on the Cider Flagons. This would indicate a late 19th century manufacturing date.

Another example is pictured and discussed in Herbert Schiffer’s 1975 book on page 143.