-Van Dyk Teas Teapot- still bank c. 20th century

This "Van Dyk Teas Teapot" still bank, of unknown date and maker, is a charming utilitarian object. Notice how the anonymous artist merges practicality with playfulness through the teapot's design. The brown glaze is applied unevenly, creating dynamic contrasts of light and shadow. Consider the textured, basket-weave pattern embossed on the body; it's not just decorative but also tactile, inviting touch. The slot cut into its side transforms the teapot into a repository for coins. The merging of domestic functionality with financial purpose destabilizes traditional notions of value. It invites us to reflect on how everyday objects mediate our relationship with money. It blurs the boundaries between the domestic, the financial, and the aesthetic. This simple teapot becomes a vessel for broader cultural and philosophical inquiries.