teapot and stand

James Tait

Summary

Spherical teapot with straight spout of oval crass section, and double scroll wooden handle. Hinged lid with knob finial. Band of geometric engraving around lid opening; with a roundel below with initials. Later circular stand with 4 splay feet.

Display Label

Silver teapot 1726 James Tait, Edinburgh Silver stand 1767 Patrick Robertson, Edinburgh Tea was very expensive in the 1700s, so tea wares were made in precious materials, particularly silver. Most of the silverware in this exhibition was donated by Mr and Mrs Assheton-Bennett, who collected tableware and paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries. The couple enjoyed using their collection and paid an academic to catalogue it. Now that the Assheton-Bennetts’ gift belongs to a public collection, gallery staff preserve it by handling it as little as possible. Gift of Mr and Mrs Edgar Assheton-Bennett 1979.560