Urn
ca. 1750 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The charcoal-burning tea urn made its appearance in the 18th century, possibly as a response to the unpleasant burning qualities of most spirit fuels available at the time, with the exception of the rather expensive spirits of wine. Tea urns were an essential part of the tea service. They kept the water warm so that the hostess could replenish the tea kettle and refresh the tea leaves. The hot water was drawn off by using the tap at the front of the urn.
This example is in copper, with an openwork base with floral decoration. The body is removable, allowing charcoal to be loaded into a brazier that fits within the bottom of the urn. A long funnel extends from this brazier, through the urn, to expel smoke at the top. The finial on the top forms the handle of a pair of tongs for picking up charcoal.
This example is in copper, with an openwork base with floral decoration. The body is removable, allowing charcoal to be loaded into a brazier that fits within the bottom of the urn. A long funnel extends from this brazier, through the urn, to expel smoke at the top. The finial on the top forms the handle of a pair of tongs for picking up charcoal.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Copper |
| Brief description | Copper urn with square openwork base with floral decoration, and two curved and beaded handles on the body, English, ca. 1750 |
| Physical description | Copper, with cast foot, handles and a square, openwork base with floral decoration; the body has two curved and beaded handles; with tapering moulded lid. The body is removable and contains a brazier for charcoal; the finial on the top forms a handle for a pair of tongs for handling the charcoal, fitting into the heating shaft. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Lt. Col. G. B. Croft-Lyons Bequest |
| Object history | The body is removable and contains a brazier for charcoal; the finial on the top forms a handle for a pair of tongs for handling the charcoal, fitting into the heating shaft. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | The charcoal-burning tea urn made its appearance in the 18th century, possibly as a response to the unpleasant burning qualities of most spirit fuels available at the time, with the exception of the rather expensive spirits of wine. Tea urns were an essential part of the tea service. They kept the water warm so that the hostess could replenish the tea kettle and refresh the tea leaves. The hot water was drawn off by using the tap at the front of the urn. This example is in copper, with an openwork base with floral decoration. The body is removable, allowing charcoal to be loaded into a brazier that fits within the bottom of the urn. A long funnel extends from this brazier, through the urn, to expel smoke at the top. The finial on the top forms the handle of a pair of tongs for picking up charcoal. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.916-1926 |
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| Record created | January 30, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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