This porcelain Dr. Wall (or First Period) Worcester compressed globular form teapot was made in England, circa 1755-56. One side has pencilled (painted with fine brush) decoration in black of the “Boy on a Buffalo,” the reverse has a different scene, and the spout is decorated with a sprig of flowers. Teapot measures 4.5 inches high to top of lid, 6.5 inches wide from handle to spout.
After the lid went missing and the spout broke, it was taken to a silversmith, who fashioned an elegant hinged lid and a well made collar to extend the truncated spout. Although it would have been an added bonus if the teapot possessed hallmarks of the silversmith who did the fine repairs, I am thrilled to own this rare teapot, nonetheless, and share it with you.
This example shows what the original cover and spout looked like before the teapot took a tumble.
Photo courtesy of Invaluable
Tags: English, metal lid, metal spout, porcelain, silver, Worcester
I’m interested in the scene on the opposite side of the teapot. What does it depict?
I believe the 2 unusual structures on the reverse are stylized boats.
Hi, I’m very interested in this because I was looking to date an old teapot I bought few days ago and its look like really like this, not in the pottery body but in the repair method. I really would like to show it to you to compare, thanks for your very interesting blog.
I believe this drawing alludes to a buddhist parable belonging to a 11th or 12th century cycle: “Ten Oxherding Songs”, which stands for a quest of enlightenment. The drawing on the back seem to portray oriental/chinese boats called “sampans”.
This piece is much nicer now that originally!