Object of the Day - Salt Glazed Teapot

This salt glazed stoneware teapot from the 1860s I picked up on Portobello Road in London. Adding salt to the kiln creates a gleaming but transparent glaze and a smooth, slightly imperfect texture similar to that of an orange. The lid is made from pewter with art nouveau detailing. I love the embossed basket weave on the surface and the molded thumb finial on the handle.

With an antique like this, it's probably not a good idea to pour boiling hot water in it. Instead, I might do a simple fall flower arrangement of leaves and bittersweet vines. For a fantastic centerpiece this season, lay a burlap runner down a sideboard, then pair the arrangement with pumpkins and gourds in various sizes.   

Comments

[gloria]

i have a teapot that looks like a cottage salt glaze. it has a spout like a snake and the markings on bottom look like wm ..is it old

[Cheryl]

You are very talented. Thank you for sharing your finds and your make overs. I have so many to do myself, maybe this will be the inspiration I need.
Thank you.

[Camille]

I've been reading all your archived posts, and I have fallen in LOVE with the vintage porcelain light fixture you found and replaced. I could look at those before-and-after pictures all day. You've completely inspired me to change all of mine.

Here's a tough design question for you (if you have time in your hugely busy life to answer it, that is): Our ceilings in our current home have been desecrated with popcorn/cottage cheese/vomit. You know the stuff. Unfortunately, the previous homeowners painted over the texture, making it impossible for us to sand/scrape/moisten and remove. Short of taking the drywall down completely, do you have any suggestions?

It's hindering all further progress in our home beautification, because no matter how I paint the walls, the ceilings will still be hideous.

[CM]

i agree. where have I been? will you share your paint color in your living room?

[pve design]

Oh what a fetching tea pot. Love your collections.
Thanks for sharing such a love!

[Keri]

Hi Eddie,

What a pretty teapot...your china cabinet is just a treasure trove!! I am going to London next month and decided to stay a few extra days just so I could visit the Portobello Market.

Can't wait to see what you surprise us with next!

[katiedid]

Well where have I been!?!?! I just discovered your blog through my friend Courtney's blog, Stylecourt. I am so happy to see your blog! I have been a Martha fan for years and have been enjoying every second of Top Design this season. (Much better this time around!) You are one talented designer. Great blog (especially the Salvation Army post...I am checking it out this weekend.) Beautiful teapot!

P.S., Hope you don't mind a link-up on katiedid. I want to remember to visit often!

[Daniel Maldonado]

Eddie, this kettle is wonderful. i have an interst in old ceramic things including teacups plates bonechina. anything all white and femminine esp. victorian.

[Tony Neader]

The teapot is amazingly beautiful. I wish I could find treasures like that. I live in a part of the country that does not yield treasures like that. I also want to say that you're my favorite designer. When I heard you worked for Martha I knew the other designers were in trouble. I hope you win the grand prize. I will be rooting for you. Good luck.
Tony

[architectdesign]

These thick old pots were built to last -it would be fine to use for tea,probably. I have one from 1850 I use a few times a week that is a family heirloom. That said it would be a charming vase!