Silver-gilt teapot and lid, Paris, 1826-38, mark of Claude-Nicholas Odiot.

Teapot and lid. Silver-gilt (two colours). The body, of near globular shape, is engraved with an upper border of laurel and lower boder of palm leaves. To its sides are applied an infant Bacchus and Amor as on the tea caddy (M.5&a-1973). The junction of the neck and body was decorated with a band of palm leaves: to the incurving neck are applied eight rosettes. The rim, which overhangs, is decorated with ribbing. The spout terminates in a lion's head, resembling that of the hot eater urn (M.3-c,-1973) and is decorated at the foot and beneath the lion head with palm leaves in relief. The ebony handle fits at the top into a socket composed of an anthemion (above) and a palm leaf (below) rising from a circle of palm leaves and curving outwards into a rosette. At the bottomit fits into a socket of palm leaf and acanthus. The base is encircled round the neck with a rope girdle: its moulded edge is decorated with palm leaves. The flat lid, with two bayonet clips, is topped by a moulded ebony knob.

Purchased with Art Fund support

Acquired with the aid of the National Art Collections Fund from Messrs Frank Partridge, New Bond Street, London.

From a tea service.

Historical significance: The firm of Jean-Baptiste-Claude Odiot was one of the most important and influencial Parisian silversmiths at the beginning of the 19th century. Skillful practioners of the neo-classical style, Odiot were patronised by the aristocracy of Europe. J.B. C. Odiot's son, Charles Nicolas studied English technique and style at Garrards and took over the family business in 1827. Tea drinking after dinner became fashionable in the early 19th century, even in France. In 1827, Domestic Economy and Cookery for Rich and Poor reported that "In France, now, the tea-table is partially introduced to accommodate the English, which serves to show off their nice cakes and bon bons…"

This teapot is part of a composite tea service consisting of a hot water urn, sugar bowl, tea caddy, teapot and ewer. The firm of Jean-Baptiste-Claude Odiot was one of the most important and influential Parisian silversmiths at the beginning of the 19th century. Skilful practitioners of the neo-classical style, Odiot were patronised by the aristocracy of Europe. J.B. C. Odiot's son, Charles Nicolas studied English technique and style at Garrards and took over the family business in 1827. Tea drinking after dinner became fashionable in the early 19th century, even in France. In 1827, Domestic Economy and Cookery for Rich and Poor reported that " In France, now, the tea-table is partially introduced to accommodate the English, which serves to show off their nice cakes and bon bons…"

M.6&A-1973