Teapot

Art Historical Context

This elegant silver teapot, crafted by the New York silversmith firms, Tompkins and Black collaboration with Charters, & Dunn between 1848 and 1851, exemplifies the craftsmanship of mid-19th-century American decorative arts. Measuring 8⅝ x 9⅞ x 6¼ inches and weighing a substantial 28 ounces 15 dwts, its generous proportions and hefty silver construction reflect the era's emphasis on luxurious household objects that conveyed status and hospitality. Teapots like this were central to American social rituals, symbolizing refinement amid the nation's growing prosperity before the Civil War. The medium of silver—polished to a brilliant sheen—allowed silversmiths to showcase virtuoso techniques such as chasing and repoussé, often incorporating naturalistic motifs. The presence of birds in its design evokes the Rococo Revival style popular at the time, blending whimsy with opulence for domestic elegance. A generous gift to The Metropolitan Museum of Art from Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mali in 1944, this teapot graces The American Wing, offering visitors a tangible glimpse into the refined tastes of antebellum America.

About the Artist

Ball, Tompkins and Black|Charters, Cann & Dunn (American|American) · 1826 |1839 –1863 |1851

baptized 1799, active New York, 1826–63|active 1839–51