Antique Spode Tobacco Leaf Pattern ("Cabbage Pattern") Teapot, C 1810

Antique Spode tobacco leaf or cabbage leaf teapot, in blue, red, peach, pink and green with gilt highlighting. Markings for Spode in underglaze blue and pattern 2061 in underglaze red.

Marked Spode Stone China - dates to circa 1810.This mark was in use from c. 1805 to 1830.

Spode is one of the greatest names of the Industrial Revolution. Josiah Spode I was born in 1733 and after several years working for other local potters, established his own company in 1776 in Church Street, Stoke and, like his neighbour and friend Josiah Wedgwood, concentrating on the production of ceramic wares of the finest quality in a variety of bodies.

Josiah Spode I died suddenly in 1797 and it fell to his son Josiah Spode II to continue and perfect his father’s developments. In partnership with William Copeland, Josiah II continued the business for the next thirty years Under their management in the early 19th century, considered by many to be the “Golden Age” of English ceramics, the company grew to be the largest pottery in Stoke and a pre-eminent manufacturer of fine ceramics of every kind. Spode II was appointed “Potter to the Prince of Wales” when the Prince Regent visited the factory in 1806.

This beautiful pearlware teapot is in an excellent condition, except for the glued lid. It appears to have never been used, as evidenced by the intact rims of paint around the spout and hole. The enamel inside and out is in like-new condition, and the paint and gilding of the teapot are in pristine condition, with the gilding on the lid handle still intact.

The lid of the new teapot was likely dropped and glued together, otherwise it is in exceptional condition - it is hard to find an antique teapot of this age in such good condition.

I would like to draw your attention to the rarity of products with the "Spode Stone China" brand on the bottom. This brand was used for a mere 25 years, from 1805 to 1830. It is extremely difficult to find tableware with the Tobacco Leaf pattern and this brand. Items with this pattern were produced later and bear a "Late Spode" backstamp; however, they are highly sought after and few and far between on the antique market. One would be especially lucky to find them in practically new condition, even if the lid is damaged.

Handle to spout 26,5 cm W x 7 cm D x 13 cm H

Weight 835 g