A Thirty-Four Piece David Clayton George I Miniature Silver Tea Service,. London, England, circa 1720. Marks: (lion passant)... (Total: 34 Items)

Description

A Thirty-Four Piece David Clayton George I Miniature Silver Tea Service,
London, England, circa 1720
Marks: (lion passant), DC
4-1/8 inches high (10.5 cm) (kettle)
246 grams (gross)

The service comprising:
1 hot water kettle on stand;
1 coffee pot;
2 tea pots;
1 coffee pot;
1 creamer;
2 covered bowls;
1 charger;
2 tea caddies;
6 bowls;
6 dishes;
6 plates;
6 spoons.
34 Total.

PROVENANCE:
Asprey & Co., London, England;
Private Collection, acquired from above, 1985.

LITERATURE:
P.A.S. Phillips, Silver Wrought by the Courtauld Family, p. 74, pl. XXXVIII.
Eric Delieb, Investing in Silver. Clarkson N. Potter, Inc., New York, 1967, p. 122-123.

This exceptionally rare English tea set is a preeminent example of David Clayton's passion for exactness in miniature, utilitarian form. The vessels are distinct in shape with pronounced pedestal bases, spouts set low, and conical lids bearing ball terminals, the hot water kettle stand includes a removable burner lid with a fuel-burning channel similar to a full-size example, each of the kettles have simple scrolled handles, with the water kettle having a cane-wrapped handle to prevent heat transfer, and the wooden chocolate pot handle being lathe-turned.

Related examples by David Clayton can be found in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (accession number 63.53.243a-e) and the Victoria and Albert (museum number M.47:1, 2-1949). These works also bear the simplified mark of the lion passant with the artist stamp.



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