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.

Provenance

James Dixon & Sons; Philips, British, Contiental and American Decorative Arts, 29/3/94, lot 186, Deborah Gage Works of Art Ltd.