Images(5)

D2010-CMD-057. Teapot, detail to show mark.

Teapot

Dateca. 1760

Marked by Daniel Parker (1726 - 1785)

OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Boston

MediumSilver; wood

DimensionsOH: 6 1/8"; OW (incl. handle and spout): 8 7/8"; OD: 4 7/8" Weight in troy oz: 18 oz. 6 dwt.

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, The Friends of Colonial Williamsburg Collections Fund

Object number2010-19

DescriptionInverted pear-shaped teapot with stepped circular foot, domed lid with engraved bud-shaped finial, S-scroll spout with fluting and leaf cap, and C-shaped wooden handle. Shoulder of teapot engraved with shells, foliage, diapering and bellflowers. Rococo cartouches engraved around upper handle juncture and spout juncture.
Label TextThis handsome American teapot made by Daniel Parker (1726–1785) of Boston exhibits the characteristic features of a “double-bellied” or inverted pear-shape vessel. The gracefully swelling body, flute-embellished spout, and bud-shaped finial all proclaim a date of circa 1760. A rich mantle of shells, diapering, foliage, and bellflowers encircle its shoulders, while crisply engraved rococo cartouches surround the junctures of both the upper handle and the spout. The original owner of the teapot remains as yet unidentified, but the initials “O W” engraved on either side of the upper handle socket offer a tantalizing clue.
The teapot is marked on its base “D•PARKER” struck in relief in a rectangle. Daniel Parker was a successful businessman and a prolific silversmith. Like his putative master, Samuel Edwards, he enhanced his station in life by selling a diverse range of imported tools and supplies to goldsmiths, jewelers, and clock or watchmakers. Surviving silver forms by Parker include canns, tankards, porringers, sauceboats, casters, salts, and spoons, but only one other teapot is known.

This handsome American teapot exhibits the characteristic features of the rococo style. The gracefully swelling “double-bellied” or inverted pear-shape body, flute-embellished spout, and bud-shaped finial all proclaim a date of circa 1760. A rich mantle of shells, diapering, foliage, and bellflowers encircle its shoulders, while crisply engraved cartouches surround the junctures of both the upper handle and the spout. Daniel Parker was both a successful businessman, selling a diverse range of imported tools and supplies to goldsmiths, jewelers, and clock or watchmakers, and a prolific silversmith. Surviving silver forms marked by Parker include canns, tankards, porringers, sauceboats, casters, salts, and spoons, but only one other teapot is currently recorded.
InscribedEngraved in block letters on either side of upper handle juncture "O * W"
MarkingsMarked on base "D•PARKER" struck in relief in a rectangle