Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Silver, Room 65, The Whiteley Galleries

Teapot

ca. 1780 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This teapot was used for making tea by infusing tea leaves in hot water, in much the same manner as today. The teapot form which evolved in Europe began as an imitation of the Chinese wine pot. Although the first silver teapots date from the late 17th century, by the time this teapot was made the object was a familiar one in many households. A wide choice of material, including cheaper ceramics and glass as well as inexpensive metal products such as Sheffield plate and tinned copper, expanded the market for tea wares.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silver, wooden handle and knop, rasied and decorated with a band of bright cut engraving
Brief description
Silver, wooden handle and knop, York hallmarks ca.1780, mark of J. Hampton & J. Prince
Physical description
Teapot, silver, bullet shaped body with slightly curved spout, a band of bright cut engraving surrounds a flat lid with a wooden knop.
Dimensions
  • Height: 11.5cm
  • Including handle and spout width: 20.75cm
  • Diameter: 10.5cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • York hallmarks ca.1780 (Date letter missing)
  • Mark of J. Hampton and J. Prince
Credit line
Bequeathed by Arthur Hurst
Object history
Bequest - Arthur Hurst
Acquisition RF: 40 / 434
Summary
This teapot was used for making tea by infusing tea leaves in hot water, in much the same manner as today. The teapot form which evolved in Europe began as an imitation of the Chinese wine pot. Although the first silver teapots date from the late 17th century, by the time this teapot was made the object was a familiar one in many households. A wide choice of material, including cheaper ceramics and glass as well as inexpensive metal products such as Sheffield plate and tinned copper, expanded the market for tea wares.
Collection
Accession number
M.63-1940

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Record createdSeptember 10, 2004
Record URL
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