Footed teapot 1745 - 1765

This footed teapot, produced between 1745 and 1765 by an unknown potter of the Whieldon type, is a fine example of English earthenware. Its distinctive marbled glaze, known as "agateware," was achieved by swirling different colored clays together before firing. The teapot's intricate design and decorative details, including the three animal-footed supports and the lid topped with a small figure of a sheep, reflect the popular Chinese porcelain imports of the time. This teapot is a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of English potters during the 18th century and is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's impressive collection of ceramics.