This rare and highly important small electroplated teapot was one of a small collection of unusual geometric examples, all originally made as samples or prototypes.
Six of the teapots, including this one, never reached production, being considered too eccentric and advanced for the period.
The unusual oriental design of the teapot can be largely attributed to Dresser's three-month visit to Japan at the end of 1876. The Japanese aesthetic influence is evident in the teapot's low, drum-shaped body, and simple angular spout, almost certainly based on the traditional Japanese sake bottle. The small hinged cover, placed at the front of the teapot, is suggestive of that on a Japanese portable writing set. It is Dresser's interpretation of the Japanese aesthetic, however, that make his designs so interesting.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Prototype teapot, 1879
Date supported
1994
Medium and material
Electroplate and ebonized wood
Dimensions
12 x 22 cm
Grant
15000
Total cost
68813
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