The humble chamber pot was a household necessity in the era before indoor plumbing and flush toilets became common in the United States during the late 1800s. Though other materials were used, ceramic seems to have been the most popular choice. The pot could be kept near the bed at night, or placed beneath the seat of a chair adapted for the purpose. 

This chamber pot was made of mocha ware, a kind of pottery characterized by feathering, branching decoration that resembles the markings of moss agate (mocha stone). The ornament was made by dabbing the body, either green ware or covered with slip, with a liquid pigment that then spread out through capillary action or by use of a blowpipe.