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Teapot 1995-27
Teapot with cover
Teapot 1995-27

Teapot with cover

Date1784 (dated)
OriginEngland, Staffordshire or Yorkshire
MediumEarthenware, lead-glazed, cream-colored (creamware)
DimensionsOH: 6 1/2"; OW: 8 1/4"; OD of body: 5 3/16"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1995-27,A&B
DescriptionGlobular teapot with C-scroll handle and molded spout and domed lid with compressed mushroom finial. Ground consists of an overall purple with irregularly shaped patches in green, yellow, and red with blue flowers. This motif is repeated on the lid. Around the neck and rim of the lid are scalloped reserves of white ground with yellow flowers and blue dots. Spout is green enameled. Handle is red with black edging. A large cartouche on each side of the body ‚ is inscribed in black with a verse from the King James Version of the Bible. One is inscribed "Speak thou the things which become sound Doctrine" (Titus 2:1). The other, "Let us, therefore, follow after the things which make for Peace" (Romans 14:19). A small cartouche under the spout is blank except for "1784" inscribed in the bottom. The lid has a cartouche on each side of the exterior, one inscribed "Watch", the other, "Pray".
Label TextThe teapot is an example of religious motifs that were used in the 18th century. The inscribed date, 1784, was an important year in religious history because the first American Methodist Church was established and also the first Episcopal Bishop was appointed, Samuel Seabury, who was ordained in Scotland and was bishop of New York and Connecticut. This teapot is also very similar to a coffeepot (1993-108, A&B) ‚ also in the Colonial Williamsburg collection. They are of similar shape including handle and molded spout and also the polychrome enamel detailing and inscription seem to be by the same hand.
ProvenanceWas offered for sale at Christie's of London, March 16, 1995; The Dallas Pratt Collection in England, Furniture, Pictures, Silver, Porcelain and Textiles, Lot 365; Garry Atkins acted as agent in purchasing from Alistair Sampson.