English Earthenware Commode-shaped Teapot with Widow Finial, C.1810

An unusual early 19th-century English earthenware teapot, dating from circa 1810 and made in the distinctive form known as the Commode Shape.

This exact form is documented in Philip Miller and Michael Berthoud, An Anthology of British Teapots, plate 905, p. 151, where it is described as Commode Shape, of unidentified earthenware manufacture, circa 1810, and decorated in pink, iron green and red.

The teapot has a distinctive panelled body with broad flat sides and prominent vertical corner ribs, picked out with paired iron-green enamel marks resembling rivet heads. A moulded band of vertical tongues runs around the lower edge, while a high undulating collar surrounds the deeply recessed cover. The form reflects the influence of contemporary Georgian metal teaware. The angular D-shaped handle is paired with a long faceted S-curved spout, finished at the tip with a hand-painted puce shell motif. Inside is an original seven-hole strainer, pierced before firing.

One of the most distinctive features is the sculptural cover finial, modelled as the Mourning Widow or Sibyl, a seated grieving female figure. The figure was separately moulded and attached to the cover with slip, a more elaborate form of construction used on higher-grade English teawares of the period. This type of Widow finial was used by Wedgwood in the late 18th century, where it was also known as a Sibyl finial, and was subsequently adopted by other English ceramic manufacturers. A separate steam vent is pierced through the cover beside the figure.

The body and cover are hand-painted in overglaze enamels with bouquets of pink roses, smaller floral sprigs and suspended floral garlands. Iron green, red and puce details are used throughout the decoration, closely corresponding to the palette recorded for this form by Miller and Berthoud. Pale blue edging follows parts of the moulded contours.

Dimensions: height 16 cm; length from spout to handle 25 cm; width 13 cm; weight 493 g. Condition: a crack is present across the base, together with one star-shaped and one vertical surface hairline; these hairlines do not extend through to the interior. There is a small chip to the tip of the spout and a short hairline at the edge of the cover. Some overpainting is present to the inner side of the handle. Age-related crazing and minor wear throughout. Otherwise in good antique condition. Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Shipping costs include handling, packaging and postage.