Hot water urn

Dateca. 1765

MediumFused silverplate (Sheffield Plate); ivory (stained green)

DimensionsH: 18 7/8"; W: 10 1/2"; W (base): 7 3/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1972-41,A-C

DescriptionHot Water Urn; fused silverplate: Ovoid urn body with two everted handles with woodenchased with undulating band of reeds beneath swags of flowers and foliage; with two (A) has a removable lid (B) and a detachable base (C).
Label TextThe hot water or tea urn is one of the most ambitious forms in fused silverplate. Early examples of this ovoid form from the late rococo period are rare in comparison with the more familiar neoclassical urn-shaped examples. They were used as storage vessels for hot water to replenish the much smaller teapot, in which the tea was infused. The body and base of this example are joined by a bayonet fitting that permits access to the interior chamber housing the heated cast-iron slug for keeping the water hot.

This particularly fine example is enriched with varied forms of chased and applied detail. The mounts, such as the pineapple finial, the scrolled handle arms with leaf attachments, the dolphin tap, and the scrolled legs with shell feet, all of which would have been cast on a sterling piece, are stampings filled with solder, as is customary on plated pieces because of the limitations of the medium. The green-stained ivory handles add a pleasing contrast in color and material.

This late rococo example is undoubtedly of similar form to the "1 Sheffield ware tea Kitchen" listed with the "Plate, in the Pantry" of the Governor's Palace in Williamsburg in the 1770 inventory of the estate of Lord Botetourt.
InscribedEngraved within a cartouche on body with the coat of arms of Fawside, Haddington, and with the crest on base.
ProvenanceVendor: S.J. Shrubsole Ltd., London