Teapot

Kenneth McKenzie

1733–34 · Silver, wood · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Although politically united, England and Scotland had distinctive social customs, a fact reflected in their silver works. Scottish silver and gold design remained independent of London styles and fashions until the mid-eighteenth century. The completely spherical "bullet" teapot, along with matching milk jug (see 1983.224) and sugar bowl, was an especially Scottish, particularly Edinburgh preference. These three objects, made by three Edinburgh goldsmiths within a few years of each other, exemplify the broad demand for this shape. Characteristic also is the restrained narrow band of engraved ornament on all three pieces.

Artist

Kenneth McKenzie

Date

1733–34

Medium

Silver, wood

Culture

Scottish, Edinburgh

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1968