Tea kettle lamp

Date1727-1728

Artist/Maker William Shaw

MediumSilver

DimensionsH: 2 3/8"; D: 2 7/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1954-570,D

DescriptionTea kettle lamp: circular, straight sided bowl for spirit. Molded and dished circular cover with central wick tube under a hinged bell-shaped lid.
Label TextIt is only reasonable that the introduction of the kettle should soon follow that of the teapot. Although the form of kettles closely corresponds to that of contemporary teapots, they can be distinguished from the latter by their greater size and a broad bail handle placed over the cover and attached with pivots at the shoulder of the body. Usually set on stands fitted with lamps, they housed the hot water to replenish the smaller teapot, in which the tea was infused. They rarely stood on the tea table but rather on a small stand nearby. Occasionally silver tripod stands were fashioned for this purpose.

This is a comparatively modest example of the globular type. It is finely engraved at the shoulder with a conventional strapwork border incorporating foliated scrolls and winged cherubs' faces. The wicker wrapping of the handle is a replacement.
MarkingsOn "d": lion rampant