Teapot 1723 - 1724

This is a silver teapot made by David King in the early 18th century. Notice the engraved heraldic shield adorning its side. In a time when lineage and social standing were visually asserted, this emblem was not merely decorative but a potent declaration of identity. The shield, a symbol of protection and authority, harkens back to medieval armor, reimagined here on a domestic object. This echoes the "arma parlante", a tradition where coats of arms visually pun on the bearer's name. Think of the recurring image of the lion—a symbol of courage and royalty—across different cultures, from ancient Mesopotamia to the British monarchy. The act of displaying such an emblem taps into a deep, primal desire for recognition, a desire rooted in our collective memory. This teapot transcends its function, becoming a vessel filled with social aspirations, each pour a performance of identity.