Teapot 1838

This buff-colored teapot was produced by the American Pottery Manufacturing Company sometime in the 19th century. It's made of molded earthenware, pressed into shape using plaster molds, and then fired in a kiln. The floral decoration is integral to the form; it wasn't applied afterward. This kind of detail speaks to the industrialization of ceramics at this time, when manufacturers were striving to make decorative objects available to a wider market. The handle and spout are shaped like stylized botanical forms, while the lid is adorned with a reclining dog. Though rendered in a relatively neutral color, the molded relief gives the teapot a tactile, almost sculptural presence. Considering the amount of handwork that went into the original design and mold-making, this object represents a fascinating intersection of industry and craft. It invites us to think about the labor involved in creating even mass-produced items.