Date/Circa: 1905
Origin: Germany
Size: 7″ High
Catalogue No: A0812
Price $350
Hammering copper makes it stronger, so imagine the strength of this beautiful German Art Nouveau teapot. Each facet first is created with a roughing hammer, then, when the perfect shape is achieved, a finishing hammer is used to refine the texture and appearance. Finally the surface is polished until it gleams.
It is said that coppersmiths often went deaf over time due to the repetitive banging. The facets add a special beauty to the pot – like a rippling stream just outside a country cottage. Also adding to the beauty of the pot are the ebony “spacers” inserted on the handle to diminish the flow of heat to the handle.
Germany’s “Art Nouveau” period, “Jugendstil”, was at its height of excellence when Carl Deffner-Esslingen struck his mark on this magnificent hammered copper teapot.
But, let’s not dwell on exquisite craftsmanship. Instead, let’s focus on some of George Orwell’s Golden Rules for Making Tea. When you’ve got a showpiece like this on the tea tray, you’d better make sure you get it right.
- Only make tea with Indian or Ceylonese tea.
- Tea should be made in a teapot.
- The pot should be warmed beforehand.
- The tea should be strong.
- Pour tea into the cup first, then the milk.**
- Drink it without sugar.
**During WWII, British spies in occupied France were warned to imitate French habitués who did exactly the opposite.