Teapot and Lid thumbnail 1
Teapot and Lid thumbnail 2
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images
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
British Galleries, Room 52b

Teapot and Lid

ca. 1765 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
Although small and intended for a child, the service that includes this teapot was probably intended for actual use, as the cups are large enough. Like many ceramic tea services, this one includes both tea bowls and handled cups of a type usually thought to have been for coffee. Tea cups with handles were being made in England at the time that this service was made, but handle-less bowls of the Chinese type were more common. The service includes a small jug for milk or cream - often added to tea after about 1720, when fermented black teas became more popular than the unfermented green varieties - and a covered bowl for refined white sugar.

Materials & Making
The Bow porcelain factory, where the service was made, produced a type of porcelain strengthened with ashes from animal bones. The result was a comparatively durable ceramic material, one that would have been suitable for making wares for children.

Trading
Bow porcelain was sold from a warehouse on the factory site, from London showrooms, and it could be purchased at auction or from dealers in smaller cities. Much was also sold to merchants for export to the American colonies and elsewhere.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Teapot
  • Cover
Materials and techniques
Soft-paste porcelain painted with enamels
Brief description
Teapot and lid of soft-paste porcelain painted with enamels of bouquets and sprays of flowers, made by Bow Porcelain Factory, London, ca. 1765.
Physical description
Teapot and lid of soft-paste porcelain painted with enamels of bouquets and sprays of flowers.
Dimensions
  • Height: 8.6cm
  • Diameter: 7cm
Dimensions checked: Registered Description; 01/01/1998 by KN
Gallery label
British Galleries: Although his miniature tea service was probably designed for a child, it was more common for adults to buy such novelties or 'toys' for themselves. Today, children's tea sets are smaller in size and more suited for dolls' houses. The size of this tea cup, however, suggests it was actually used for serving tea.(27/03/2003)
Credit line
Given by Lady Charlotte Schreiber
Object history
Part of a toy tea service 414:123 to /L-1885 (Sch. I 81 to L)
The set was purchased by Lady Charlotte Schreiber from Partridge, London, for £3 in April 1877
Subject depicted
Summary
Object Type
Although small and intended for a child, the service that includes this teapot was probably intended for actual use, as the cups are large enough. Like many ceramic tea services, this one includes both tea bowls and handled cups of a type usually thought to have been for coffee. Tea cups with handles were being made in England at the time that this service was made, but handle-less bowls of the Chinese type were more common. The service includes a small jug for milk or cream - often added to tea after about 1720, when fermented black teas became more popular than the unfermented green varieties - and a covered bowl for refined white sugar.

Materials & Making
The Bow porcelain factory, where the service was made, produced a type of porcelain strengthened with ashes from animal bones. The result was a comparatively durable ceramic material, one that would have been suitable for making wares for children.

Trading
Bow porcelain was sold from a warehouse on the factory site, from London showrooms, and it could be purchased at auction or from dealers in smaller cities. Much was also sold to merchants for export to the American colonies and elsewhere.
Other number
Sch. I 81&A - Schreiber number
Collection
Accession number
414:123/&A-1885

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Record createdApril 7, 2003
Record URL
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