Images(13)

Teapot

Date1817-1825

Maker Edward Lownes (1792-1834)

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumSilver; wood

DimensionsOH: 9 7/8”; OW (spout to handle): 11 ¾”; OD (at belly): 6 1/8”

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, Robert F. Grossman

Object number2016-162

DescriptionSilver teapot: Stepped circular foot with narrow beading tapers to narrow neck with gadrooned juncture to body with compressed lower bulge, incurved neck and flared collar with beading and gadrooned rim. Domed hinged lid with acorn finial above foliate juncture. Boldly angled spout with animal/bird tip and scrolled angular handle with wooden insulating rings, sea serpent upper juncture, acanthus furl grip, and scale-embellished lower juncture terminating in a stylized fish tale. Body of teapot extensively chased with low-relief scrolls and foliage on a scale ground. Each side of pot with a large cartouche, one blank and the other engraved with a large sprigged script “B”. The base of the pot marked in relief with “E.LOWNES” in a rectangle
Label TextAlthough the animal- or bird-head spout and the sea serpent handle of this teapot are eye-catching, the lavish decoration on the body is its most unusual feature. The low-relief scrolls and foliage, set against a scale ground, were hand chased—a laborious form of ornament that demanded considerable skill to execute.

The bold chasing and muscular animal/bird/fish elements of this teapot make it a strong example of the empire style in American silver. This is the first piece by Edward Lownes to enter the collection.
MarkingsStruck in relief “E.LOWNES” in a rectangle on base
ProvenanceVendor: Ed Hill