Teapot Chelsea Porcelain Factory 1745-1749 The Victoria & Albert Museum |
The Chelsea porcelain factory, in its early years, produced several examples of novelty teapots in unusual shapes. Here’s a rather interesting example of these early pieces. Dating to about 1745, this rare teapot takes the form of a squatting Asian gentleman which the factory insensitively called a “chinaman.” He is clutching a parrot—as one does. This model was actually an experimental form. Only a few were produced. The design just didn’t work out for a variety of reasons. His hat formed the lid of the pot and it proved to be very cumbersome when used. Furthermore, the twig handle—applied with soft-paste porcelain leaves and berries—was uncomfortable in the hand.
Teapots like this one were Chelsea’s answer to the novelty figurines and teapots which were produced at the Staffordshire factory. The Staffordshire pieces were quite popular and proved to be very fashionable, so Chelsea wanted in on the action.
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