Images(10)

Teapot

Date1800-1815

OriginWales, Usk (probably)

MediumTinned sheet iron (Japanned tinned sheet iron; Pontypool ware): iron (XRF), tin (XRF), asphaltum (by eye), silver (by eye), pewter (by eye); gilding (XRF)

DimensionsOH: 8 5/8”; OW (including handle and spout): 13 ¼”; OD (across body): 5 5/8”

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2022-10,A&B

DescriptionJapanned, tinned sheet iron teapot: Flat oval base supports double-walled oval body with incurved shoulders and domed lid with a hidden hinge and a pinecone-shaped cast pewter (?) knop (re-soldered on interior of lid). Tapered, straight tubular spout sits low on body opposite a solid C-shaped handle with furl at top and above lower juncture; ferrules for handle are hollow. Access to double-walled insulating chamber is via a small, hinged flap at shoulder above upper handle juncture. All surfaces coated with a deep brown/black asphaltum (by eye), highlighted by decorative gilding. Lid with gilded, rayed sunburst encircling knop and double band of gilding and foliage at rim. Incurving shoulders with band of gilt foliage and upper body with band of gilt peacock feathers. Proper left side of body with gilt medallion inside of stylized foliate circle. Proper right side of body with gilt acorn-leaf oval wreath suspended from an oval pattera and bowknot, with circular gilt medallion of a ship under sail at base. An applied, bright-cut silver shield engraved with sprigged script “SP” centered within gilt wreath. A narrow band of gilt foliage extends upward from lower handle juncture. Inside of lid is brightly tinned, as is the four-part inner lining of the body: base, sides, and pierced band at juncture of spout.
Label TextThis double-walled, japanned, tinned sheet iron teapot is a rare survival, especially with its insulating design and applied and monogramed silver badge. The double-walled construction of this teapot functions much like an argyle, with the outer chamber filled with hot water to keep the tea within the inner body warm. It joins a fine collection of decoratively painted tinned sheet iron objects in the Colonial Williamsburg collection. Once popular among elite colonial Americans, such wares are inherently fragile and are scarce today.
InscribedEngraved with sprigged script “SP" on an applied, bright-cut silver shield on proper right side of body centered within gilt wreath