A James Conning Rococo Revival Coin Silver Teapot, Mobile, Alabama, circa 1855. Marks: J. CONNING, MOBILE, W&H. ...

Description

A James Conning Rococo Revival Coin Silver Teapot, Mobile, Alabama, circa 1855
Marks: J. CONNING, MOBILE, W&H
12-1/4 x 10-1/2 x 6-1/4 inches (31.1 x 26.7 x 15.9 cm)
1230 grams (39.546 troy ounces)

This large teapot exemplifies the distinctly American interpretation of the "Rococo Revival" style, expressed through naturalistic motifs. The teapot's handle, spout, collar, and foot are chased to convincingly resemble grapevine textures, while the body is decorated with chased and repousse grape clusters and leaves. The lid is crowned with a pheasant finial perched atop a stack of freshly cut wood, perhaps alluding to the spirit of Manifest Destiny.

When first retailed in Mobile, Alabama, this piece would have formed part of a tea service of the highest quality. A near-identical but more elaborate set of the same motif was exhibited by Ball, Black & Company at the Crystal Palace Exhibition of 1851. Today, this teapot provides a striking complement to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston's Bayou Bend Collection, which houses a three-piece Rococo Revival silver set by Conning and may be the matching pieces to the present example.

For a Conning pitcher in this pattern, reference Christie's, New York, Important American Furniture, Folk Art, Silver, and Prints, 18 January 2019, lot 885.



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