Teapot

SilversmithMade by George Robertson (Aberdeen, Scotland, active 1710 - 1727)

Date1708 - 1727

Object NameTeapot

Mediumsilver

ClassificationsApplied Art

DimensionsHeight: 16.5 cm, Width: 13.2 cm
Height: 16.5 cm, Width: 13.2 cm
Handle To Spout: 26cm
z Base: 8.6cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1973 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG001006

Keywords

About MeIn the 18th century tea drinking became an increasingly important social custom in Scotland, some 50 years after Samuel Pepys tasted his first cup in 1660. The teapot took pride of place, and the Scottish silversmiths rose to the occasion with some spectacular examples of craftsmanship.

This teapot illustrates the Scottish "bullet style" - a round, almost spherical shape in marked contrast to the English pear shaped pots. Spouts are generally straight on Edinburgh teapots, but Aberdeen ones are much more decorative, possibly indicating a local style or preference.