Teapot

Art Historical Context

This delightful earthenware teapot, crafted by the American pottery firm Ott and Brewer between 1871 and 1892, captures the essence of late 19th-century domestic artistry. Housed in The American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it reflects the burgeoning industrial pottery scene in the United States, where firms like Ott and Brewer produced accessible yet elegantly functional tableware for American homes during the post-Civil War era. Measuring 5 3/8 inches (13.7 cm) in height, with a wide 8 1/2-inch (21.6 cm) diameter and 5 1/4-inch (13.3 cm) length, the teapot's generous proportions suggest it was designed for convivial tea gatherings, a popular social ritual of the time. Earthenware, a durable ceramic fired at relatively low temperatures, was prized for its affordability and ability to hold vibrant glazes, distinguishing it from costlier porcelain imports and symbolizing America's growing manufacturing prowess. Generously gifted by Florence I. Balasny-Barnes in memory of her sister Yvette B. Gould in 1984, this piece elevates everyday objects to cultural treasures, underscoring the artistic value of utilitarian design in American decorative arts.