Teapot 1715 - 1722

This teapot was created by Jesse Kip, around the turn of the 18th century. It combines a gleaming silver body with a warmly patinated wooden handle. The body of the teapot would have been raised from a flat sheet of silver, hammered and shaped with great skill over time. Notice the crisp lines of the spout and lid, and the way they contrast with the softer, bulbous form of the body. Silver like this was a precious material, signifying wealth and status. The labor-intensive process of silversmithing also added to its value. The wooden handle is a more humble material, but beautifully carved and fitted to the silver. The combination of these two materials speaks to a moment in history when handmade objects were still highly valued. The teapot is more than just a functional object; it's a testament to the skills of both the silversmith and the woodworker, and the social rituals around tea drinking in the period. It's a reminder that even everyday objects can be rich with cultural meaning.