Lot Essay
Cf. Reilly, Wedgwood, Vol. 1, plate 608 and Buten, 18th Century Wedgwood, plate 125 for other examples
Although a full range of teawares modelled as bamboo was produced by the Wedgwood factory, Wedgwood and Bentley's only bamboo production was the black basaltes teapot. As teapots were often used to test the market for new designs, it is probable that teapots such as the present example were among the last wares produced prior to Thomas Bentley's death in 1780.
Although a full range of teawares modelled as bamboo was produced by the Wedgwood factory, Wedgwood and Bentley's only bamboo production was the black basaltes teapot. As teapots were often used to test the market for new designs, it is probable that teapots such as the present example were among the last wares produced prior to Thomas Bentley's death in 1780.