"Lady Godiva" or "Coventry" Teapot

Dateca. 1765

Possibly by William Greatbatch 1735-1813

MediumLead-glazed earthenware (cream-colored earthenware / creamware)

DimensionsOH: 5"; OW: 7 1/2"; Diam: 4 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1964-45,A&B

DescriptionTeapot: teapot of globular form molded with a foliate border at the foot and basket weave pattern on the body, each side interrupted by a large C-scroll, foliate and shellwork cartouche enclosing a molded figure of a naked woman (Lady Godiva) with long hair holding a staff or riding crop and riding sidesaddle on an elaborately tacked horse; S-shaped spout molded with basketweave pattern and acanthus leaves at the juncture between the body and the spout; opposite the spout is an ear-shaped basketweave molded handle with a pronounced curled kick at the lower terminal and an acanthus leaf molded thumb rest. The cover of conforming shape molded with basket pattern to match the body and 18 pineapple foliate leaves radiating from the pineapple-shaped knop. The cartouches, Lady Godiva's hair and staffs, the juncture and tip of the spout, and the knop and juncture of the knop and cover decorated with tortoiseshell colors of brown, yellow, and green. The underside unglazed with contact points on the outer edge.

Inscription(s)NoneMark(s)NoneProvenanceEx Coll: Charles J. Lomax (Sotheby's, London, April 7, 1937, lot 170)
Ex Coll: The Rev. Charles J. Sharp (Sotheby's, London, March 10,1964, lot 28)
March, 10, 1964, purchased by Tilley & Co., London, on behalf of Colonial Williamsburg.