Coffee Pot
1681-1682 (hallmarked)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Object Type
The coffee pot was one of a series of new vessels developed by European silversmiths for the imported drinks of tea, coffee and chocolate. A tapered cylindrical form was originally used for both coffee and chocolate, but the earliest known silver teapot, dated to 1670, is also of this shape (museum no. M.399-1921). By the 18th century the spout was often placed at right angles to the handle on coffee and chocolate pots.
Historical Associations
The engraving on the coffee pot reveals that this was a gift to the East India Company. Founded in 1600, the English East India Company was incorporated by royal charter to develop trade with India and East Asia. The Museum's silver teapot of the same form was also presented to the East India Company, in 1670.
The coffee pot was one of a series of new vessels developed by European silversmiths for the imported drinks of tea, coffee and chocolate. A tapered cylindrical form was originally used for both coffee and chocolate, but the earliest known silver teapot, dated to 1670, is also of this shape (museum no. M.399-1921). By the 18th century the spout was often placed at right angles to the handle on coffee and chocolate pots.
Historical Associations
The engraving on the coffee pot reveals that this was a gift to the East India Company. Founded in 1600, the English East India Company was incorporated by royal charter to develop trade with India and East Asia. The Museum's silver teapot of the same form was also presented to the East India Company, in 1670.
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Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Silver, engraved, with leather-covered handle |
Brief description | Coffee pot, sterling silver, English (London), 1681-82, mark of George Garthorne. Engraved with the arms of Richard Sterne |
Dimensions |
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Marks and inscriptions |
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Gallery label | British Galleries:
Coffee was introduced to Britain from Turkey in the mid-17th century. It quickly became popular and the first coffee house opened in Oxford in 1657. This is the earliest known English silver coffee pot. The shape is based on Turkish coffee pots. Leather is used on the handle to insulate against heat.(27/03/2003) |
Object history | Made in London |
Summary | Object Type The coffee pot was one of a series of new vessels developed by European silversmiths for the imported drinks of tea, coffee and chocolate. A tapered cylindrical form was originally used for both coffee and chocolate, but the earliest known silver teapot, dated to 1670, is also of this shape (museum no. M.399-1921). By the 18th century the spout was often placed at right angles to the handle on coffee and chocolate pots. Historical Associations The engraving on the coffee pot reveals that this was a gift to the East India Company. Founded in 1600, the English East India Company was incorporated by royal charter to develop trade with India and East Asia. The Museum's silver teapot of the same form was also presented to the East India Company, in 1670. |
Bibliographic references |
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Other number | 02640(IS) - India Museum Catalogue Number |
Collection | |
Accession number | M.398-1921 |
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Record created | March 27, 2003 |
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