A very Fine and Large Staffordshire Agateware Pecten Shell Teapot and Cover, Circa 1740

A very Fine and Large Staffordshire Agateware Pecten Shell Teapot and Cover, slip cast formed as two scallop shells, applied with a lamprey fish handle and bird spout, their skins textured with scrolls and in imitation of shagreen, the clay folded over and over in the kneeding stage to produce an incredible simulated Agate ground of blue and brown striations. The ovale cover with seated Kylin finial.

Made in Staffordshire and drawing inspiration from the Marine forms that were highly fashionable ‘Silver Taste’ shapes showing crisp slip cast forms that peaked the interest of the Aristocracy and monied classes. See Paul Crane, ‘A Question of Attribution’, ECC Vol 27. 2017, for a wide discussion on early English ceramic forms and their Silver counterparts.