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

Hot Water Jug

1793-1794 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Hot water jugs were an essential feature for the making and serving of tea. Since tea for much of the 18th century was relatively expensive, the hostess refreshed the existing brew with hot water rather than making a fresh brew for each pot. It appears that by the latter part of the 18th century, a tea service was frequently purchased piecemeal. Faceted or fluted vessels, such as this hot-water pot, were popular on account of their classical associations.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silver, raisied
Brief description
Silver, London hallmarks for 1793-94, mark of Peter and Ann Bateman
Physical description
Silver, vase shaped body with twelve wide flutings, circular foot, rising wooden handle, hinged lid with knop finial, reeded edges.
Dimensions
  • Height: 33.25cm
  • Width: 18cm
  • Depth: 13.5cm
  • Including wooden handle weight: 873.1g
Marks and inscriptions
  • London hallmarks for 1793-4
  • Mark of Peter and Ann Bateman
Credit line
Miss M.B. Hudson Bequest
Object history
Bequest - Miss M.B. Hudson
Subjects depicted
Summary
Hot water jugs were an essential feature for the making and serving of tea. Since tea for much of the 18th century was relatively expensive, the hostess refreshed the existing brew with hot water rather than making a fresh brew for each pot. It appears that by the latter part of the 18th century, a tea service was frequently purchased piecemeal. Faceted or fluted vessels, such as this hot-water pot, were popular on account of their classical associations.
Bibliographic reference
Hermarck, The Art of the European Silversmith, Pl.696
Collection
Accession number
M.395-1922

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Record createdSeptember 10, 2004
Record URL
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