A rare Wedgwood blue jasperware teapot and cover, circa 1785

of ovoid form with a fluted spout and a pale-blue solid jasper body, sprigged in white relief with groups of putto and scenes from 'Domestic Employment' after designs by Lady Templetown, below an ornate flower and scroll border issuing from a fluted handle, impressed Wedgwood mark.

Phillips, London, 14th September 1994, lot 67

There is an area of restoration to the tip of the lower edge of the spout's rim. Very minor chip to edge of moulded acanthus at lower handle terminal. Some light discolouration to the upper handle and around the foot. Cover with minor nick to underside of rim.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

No other examples of this form appear to be recorded. Josiah Wedgwood's Memorandum Nov 23 1777 Jasper Composition includes instructions detailing the procedure of marking jasper teacups 'of a fine polished white within and blue on the outside'. On 28th September 1776, Wedgwood wrote to his London partner Thomas Bentley 'You shall soon have some Tea ware as soon as we can get the Models and ware ready...'. It is evident from this material that a small number of teawares were produced at this early date in both solid jasper and jasper dip. This shape was imitated at the pottery works of William and John Turner in the late 1780s. An example with an impressed uppercase Turner mark is in the collection of Temple Newsam House, Leeds. Lady Templetown (1747–1823) was an amateur artist who supplied Wedgwood with ‘cut Indian paper' silhouette designs between 1783-89.