Teapot

Apart from the superb quality of the decoration and its early date, this teapot is significant for a number or reasons. It bears the underglaze blue mark KPM (K├╢nigliche Porzellan Manufaktur), which was used in 1724-25 to distinguish the Meissen porcelains decorated at the royal factory from those decorated by "hausmalerei," or independent workers. It also avoided confusion with the wares produced in Vienna where underglaze blue had not yet been introduced. The scrollwork decoration is an exceptional example of gilding as practiced at Meissen at this time. The small size of the teapot is indicative of the high cost of tea in the early 18th century.