Teapot with “Staghunt” Pattern

Manufacturer Worcester Porcelain Manufactory (English, founded 1751)

CultureEnglish

Dateca.1752-1753

MediumSteatitic (soapstone) soft-paste porcelain with overglaze enamels

DimensionsOverall: 5 1/2 × 4 5/16 × 7 5/16 in. (14 × 11 × 18.5 cm)

MarkingsNone

DescriptionThis is an early product of the manufactory which started to produce on a commercial basis successfully from 1752. Decorated with “The Staghunt” pattern derived from Chinese porcelain, this teapot exemplifies an extremely rare early shape of which only three examples survive. While Worcester’s teapots could withstand boiling water, this one was most probably made for a collector`s china cabinet rather than for use. It is unique for its complex rhythmic shape which displays the influence of rococo silver, its asymmetrical cartouches and scroll feet echoing the exuberant shapes of the Huguenot silversmith Paul de Lamerie. Potting and firing such complex shapes was challenging and the underside shows fissures that were filled with crushed frit in order to reinforce the splayed feet. Intricately moulded shapes were abandoned around 1754 as the factory turned to utilitarian wares aimed at a broader middle class market.

Credit LineThe Radlett Collection of 18th Century English Porcelain

Object numberG13.12.8a-b

Classifications

European Ceramics

Sub-classification

English Porcelain

Collections

Status

On view