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Teapot
Marked by: Thomas Daniell (free in 1771, died between 1795–1801)
English (London)
1785–86
Object Place: Europe, London, England
Medium/Technique
Silver and ebonized wood
Dimensions
14.4 x 27.5 x 9.9 cm (5 11/16 x 10 13/16 x 3 7/8 in.)
Weight: 490.5 gm (15 oz 15 dwt)
Weight: 490.5 gm (15 oz 15 dwt)
Credit Line
Bequest of Barbara Boylston Bean
Accession Number1976.660
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsTableware – Pots (tea, coffee, chocolate)
Silver hollowware
Silver hollowware
DescriptionThe body of the teapot is oval in section and has straight sides. It is formed of seamed sheet, with a band of fine beading marking the join of the inset base. The straight spout, applied to the exterior of the teapot, is seamed. The sides of the teapot are decorated with bright-cut swags and borders. At the center of each side is an elliptical cartouche. The ear-shaped wooden handle is mounted on cylindrical sockets. The stepped, domed cover has two rows of beading and bright-cut patterns, one at the rim along the body and one around the opening of the hinged section. The wooden baluster finial is oval-shaped and has a silver cap.
Marks
On underside, maker's mark TD (Grimwade 2729) (repeated on cover); lion passant (repeated on cover); leopard's head crowned; date letter k; sovereign's head.
InscriptionsEngraved on one side, the arms and crest of Boylston; on the other, the initials JAA (for John and Abigail Adams) in cipher; both in bright-cut cartouches with bell-flowers.
INSCRIPTIONS: engraved around the Boylston armorial: This was owned by Ex President John Adams and Presented to Ward Nichs. Boylston, by his Friend and Kinsman his Excellency John Quincy Adams, President of the United States. As a Memorial of his Father." engraved onthe underside of body: "T Daniell. No20 Foster Lane London Maker"; on underside of body, scrathced, 15=2
INSCRIPTIONS: engraved around the Boylston armorial: This was owned by Ex President John Adams and Presented to Ward Nichs. Boylston, by his Friend and Kinsman his Excellency John Quincy Adams, President of the United States. As a Memorial of his Father." engraved onthe underside of body: "T Daniell. No20 Foster Lane London Maker"; on underside of body, scrathced, 15=2
ProvenanceAccording to tradition, President John Adams (1735-1826) given to his son, John Quincy Adams (1767-1848), to Ward Nicholas Boylston (1749-1828), by descent to Barbara Boylston Bean; Bequest of Barbara Boylston Bean to the MFA. (Accession Date: September 8, 1976)