The globular body, straight spout, and detachable cover of this teapot imitate Chinese ceramics, while the luxurious armorial engraving, die-stamped foot band, and meander wire are characteristic of early New York silver. The striking contrast of plain surfaces with linear and sculptural ornament characterizes the finest work of this period. Engraved feather mantling surrounds the arms of the Philipse family, wealthy merchants of colonial New York. The teapot later passed into the Jay family.

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