Teapot

Date1790-1791

Artist/Maker William Plummer (active 1755-1791)

MediumSilver (Sterling) and wood

DimensionsOH: 6 3/8" (16.2 cm); OL: 10 3/4" (27.3 cm); L. (base): 5 15/16" (15.1 cm); W. (base): 3 31/32" (10.1 cm).

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1958-458

DescriptionPeaked finial with wooden inset secured with nut and bolt to top of cover in center; low domed cover of oval plan with face chased with broad flaring flutes with delicate engraved border at edge; cover attached to body with inset hinge; short bezel of cover fitting within rim of body; shaped oval body divided into alternate plain and vertically fluted sections; plain section broadly shaped and engraved at top with border of running foliate design; straight conical spout with faceted surface; scrolled wooden handle attached to body by faceted sockets.
Label TextDuring the 1780s and 1790s, forms tended to be plain and flatly decorated. The preference for chased or applied sculptural ornament, much in evidence on earlier Adamite silver (see CWF accession 1973-373), shifted to an emphasis on decorative engraving, such as the repetitive formal borders of scrolls and paterae, as in this example, or in conjunction with drapery and floral swags and oval enclosures for paterae and armorials, as in CWF hot water urn 1958-462. Interest is lent to the body of this piece by its division into gently shaped and reeded panels. This teapot was acquired along with a coffeepot, cream pot, and sugar basket, all of the same year (accessions 1958-456, 1958-459, 158-457). Although fashioned by different makers, they are all engraved with similar decorative borders and the Piggot family crest. A pair of plain oval teapots with matching stands of 1786/87 by William Plummer of London, engraved with the Carter family arms and crest, forms part of the Carter family silver at Shirley Plantation, Charles City County, Virginia.
InscribedCrest of the Piggot family engraved on face of cover "Piggot/Russel Sqr" scratched on underside of base.
MarkingsFully marked on underside of base (maker's mark "W.P" in block letters within an indented rectangle, leopard's head crowned, lion passant, date letter, and sovereign's head; lion passant on interior of cover.
ProvenanceVendor: Garrard & Co. Ltd., London.