Vessels for storing water such as these are common throughout the ages and evident in the pottery of the middle east, Mediterranean and Africa. Between 1880 and 1910 Bendigo Pottery produced these as part of their terracotta ware range. Established by George Guthrie in 1857 (about 5km north of its current site) and then again seven years later in 1864 after it initially closed, Bendigo Pottery remains one of the most influential and longest running Pottery’s in Australia. Over the years the Pottery has contributed to the growth and development of the district through both its products including building products, table ware and decorative and commemorative war as well as artistically, being responsible for training and supporting many potters locally. The City of Greater Bendigo has had a long history of partnering with Bendigo Pottery to produce tourism tableware and art pieces and the Civic Collection holds a number of important items within its collection.Polished terracotta water holder with saucer and stopper. Globular body with rounded base. The shoulders taper into long cylindrical neck, no handle or pouring spout. Surface is undecorated expect for two rings at base of neck. This is the smaller of the two. 0430a stopper; 0430b vessel; 0430c saucerNone foundbendigo pottery, george gutherie, city of greater bendigo tourism