Tea kettle on stand
Date1727-1728
Artist/Maker
William Shaw
OriginEngland, London
MediumSilver (Sterling)
DimensionsA: OH: 9 3/8"; H(to rim): 4 1/4"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1954-570,A&B
DescriptionTea kettle and cover: depressed globular body with swan spout, the flat circular lid fitting into top on concealed hinge and centering a wooden knob finial; engraved with armorial on side and a band of foliate scrolls with cupid's heads around rim of body and cover; wicker wrapped bail handle, the pivots fastened to body with petaled attachments.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.Inscription(s)Arms of Knightly of Northamptonshire and Warwickshire quartering Wightwick of Berkshire and Staffordshire with those of Marow of Middlesex and Warwickshire borne in pretense engraved on face of body. Crest of the Knightly family engraved on cover of lamp.Mark(s)Center of underbody of A: leopard's head crowned; lion passant; date letter "M" for 1727-1728; WS under bishop's miter in conforming rectangle. On D: lion rampant.ProvenanceGarrard & Co. Ltd., London (purchased at Christie, Manson &Woods, London, 1954)
1760-1775
ca. 1760
ca. 1815
