Images(6)

Teapot

Dateca. 1976

Maker William Lawrence deMatteo (1923 - 1988)

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Williamsburg

MediumSilver and wood

DimensionsHeight: 6 1/2"; Width across handle and spout: 8"; Diameter of body: 5"

Credit LineGift of Charlotte Mathey

Object number2023-2,1

DescriptionSilver teapot with a pear-shaped body with molding at the rim and the junction of the neck. Its tall domed lid is covered with a lattice of cut-card decoration incorporating bell-flowers and is set with a molding at the rim, a bezel which fits within the mouth of the body, and a wooden finial at the peak. The wooden handle has an upturned thumb piece and is joined to the body with a pair of molded sockets, the upper of which supports the base of the lid's hinge. Its curved spout has a softy octagonal lower section, a molding at juncture with body, and an applied tip above the opening possibly once part of a cover assembly.
Label TextThis lovely teapot was commissioned by the donor in 1973 from the James Geddy Silversmith Shop, then under the supervision of Master Silversmith William deMatteo. Part of a three-piece collection of tea wares ordered, it is a faithful copy of one of Colonial Williamsburg's most important early 18th century English teapots (1954-535), wrought by Pentecost Symonds. The original paperwork is on file; dated May 16, 1973, it lists Jimmy Curtis as the craftsman responsible for the manufacture of the teapot. Curtis would succeed deMatteo as the Foundation's Master Silversmith in 1979.
MarkingsBottom struck with "I•G", "deM", and "STERLING", all in relief within rectangles, in addition to "HANDWROUGHT", in incuse.