Footed teapot 1745 - 1765

This “Whieldon type” Footed Teapot, made of earthenware, sits in an art historical blind spot. It hovers between craft and art, invention and iteration, individual and collective creation. The agateware glaze on this teapot reflects an era of intense global trade. These designs were born from the desire to imitate the prized possessions of the elite, such as Chinese porcelain and stone vessels. This teapot is a testament to 18th-century English potters experimenting with new forms and materials. It speaks to their aspirations to capture the essence of luxury for a burgeoning middle class. But, the desire to emulate luxury goods also speaks to the complex social hierarchies of the time. Think about the people involved in the teapot's creation. From the potters to the merchants who traded the raw materials, to the consumers who purchased the finished product, they were all navigating a world shaped by colonialism, capitalism, and class division. The teapot asks us to consider the stories and identities embedded within its form and decoration.