Monday, February 13, 2017

Teapots - Part I

My girlfriend recently gave me a wonderful book about teapots.  It contains nine chapters: [1] A Brief History of Teapots [2] Figural Teapots [3] Fine China Teapots [4] Floral Teapots [5] Porcelain Teapots [6] Pottery Teapots [7] Silver, Pewter, and Other Metal Teapots [8] Tiny Teapots and [9] Collecting Guidelines.


Of the many teapots pictured in the 80 page hardcover book, I only saw two that are in my collection. The author states the exact origins of the teapot are unknown, but there are two theories.  One is that the teapot evolved from the Islamic coffeepot; and the other is that the teapot was a modified form of early Chinese wine vessels.  And actually, it could be a combination of both since Islamic countries border China. Regardless, the number of teapots that exist in the world since the first teapot was designed in the 17th century, are countless.  

On July 21, 2015 I wrote a post about the number of functional teapots in my collection which I estimated to be around 97 at that time. A friend of mine says if you count the items in a collection that means it's an obsession, but this teapot book inspired me to retrieve all the photos of teapots I've shared on my blog from 2012 until now, and photograph the others that haven't been done, and share them on my blog.  It's been quite a task, but with a cup of tea in hand I invite you to take a look at my teapot collection which will be divided into multiple posts. And by the way... I do know I have an obsession for teapots! ;-)

Because every collection has a beginning, this post begins with the first teapot I received in 1966 at my bridal shower.  It was was long before I became smitten with tea, but I lovingly cared for it until that time came, and it's even more special now because the lady who gave it to me has passed on. It's made by Ellgreave Pottery [which became a division of Wood & Sons] in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, England.


~ Royal Albert English Chintz and Lady Carlyle ~


~ Royal Albert Old Country Roses ~


~ Royal Albert Old Country Basket Weave and Ruby Celebration ~


~ Wedgwood Blue Jasperware ~


Wedgewood in Oberon pattern.  My hubby gave this teapot to me on our 50th Wedding Anniversary.


~ Limoges in Old Abbey pattern and Lefton Tea Set ~


 ~ Sadler Tea Set and Teapots, England ~



~ Red/Pink Transferware - Johnson Bros., England, Old Britain Castles ~


~ Alfred Meakin Teapot - Tonquin pattern ~



This concludes the first 21 teapots.  My hubby is thrilled that I'm documenting them all in one place.  Maybe you'll be inspired to do likewise.  


6 comments:

  1. What a neat book! And I always enjoy seeing pictures of teapots so I'm glad you're sharing yours with us. (My collection is much smaller - I think I have 12!)

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  2. Such a beautiful collection of tea pots! The book looks like a perfect gift for a tea pot lover!

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  3. Beautiful collection of teapots! I love them all! Especially the pink house!!
    Thanks for sharing,
    Sandy

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  4. How interesting! I just love seeing your teapots! What a great idea!

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  5. I am so glad we get to see all your teapot collection. I only have 5 and I really have to hold myself back (no place to put them!). Of course, I also said I wasn't going to collect teacups and that didn't last long!
    Also, I wanted to tell you that I was in Michael's today and found the cutest tea stuff. They have a line called Primrose Hill by Celebrate It that has a blue & white teapot garland and a 2 Pack of tea towels. One towel is white with blue tea things on it and the other is blue and white striped. And they both have blue ball fringe--extra cute! There are also other things to go with it like napkins, but the garland and the towels were the only things that had tea stuff on them. They are 40% off this week.

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  6. I am enjoying seeing you catalogue your teapots Phyllis. I don't have that many but do rotate them so each gets a turn. Looking forward as you continue sharing your collection.

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