Teapot c. 1790

This teapot was made by Thomas Underhill, likely sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century, primarily from silver. Consider the labor involved: silver doesn't just appear in these elegant shapes. It has to be mined, smelted, and then painstakingly formed. Underhill and his workshop would have used a combination of techniques, like hammering, soldering, and engraving to achieve the final form, with its bright sheen. The dark wood handle, a practical necessity, adds a contrasting note of warmth and texture. This wasn't just a functional object; it was a status symbol. Owning a silver teapot like this spoke volumes about a family's wealth and social standing. The neoclassical design, popular at the time, reflects an aspiration to elegance and refinement. The very act of brewing and serving tea became a ritual, a performance of gentility. When you look at this teapot, think beyond its beauty. Consider the hands that shaped it, the society that valued it, and the complex web of materials, labor, and aspiration that it represents.