Teapot

It is a teapot and similar to modern teapots.

Answers will vary but may include:

• The irregular, bumpy design of the pottery in the handle and spout.
• The elaborate red design.
• The bold message of “No Stamp Act.”

Answers will vary but may include:

• Was this teapot made as part of the protest against the Stamp Act?
• Did people actually use this teapot or was it for decoration only?
• Who made the teapot?
• How big is it?
• Who owned it?

This is a round, white teapot. The spout and handle have a lumpy appearance, reminiscent of the knobbly branches of a tree, while the bowl and lid are heavily decorated in red designs/scrollwork. In the middle of the design are the words "No Stamp Act", also in red. The pattern is repeated on both sides.

Answers may vary but may include:

• They are lumpy looking, especially compared with the rest of the teapot.
• They look like the branches or trunk of a knobbly tree.
• They are curved and have lines that resemble tree bark.

Note to Teachers: In 18th-century English stoneware, handles and spouts (and occasionally lids) were often molded to resemble the knotted branch of a crab-apple tree.

Around the time the teapot was created, tensions between the American colonies and the government of Great Britain were rising. The British Parliament had passed the Stamp Act on March 22, 1765 and then repealed it in 1766 after the colonists responded with outrage and boycotts over being taxed without their consent.

The British manufacturers would be hurt by colonial boycott and decision to not import any British goods. They did not want to lose their customers, so they likely would have been relieved to see the Stamp Act repealed.

Responses may include:

• Colonial patriots may have wanted a souvenir of their victory or a reminder of Great Britain attempting to pass legislation without colonial approval.
• English manufacturers or merchants may have been relieved that the crisis with the colonies was over so that they could again access the colonial market. They may have purchased this to celebrate the end of the standoff.

Responses may include:

• In Britain and the American colonies at the time this was made, brewing and drinking tea were an important part of everyday life. By putting the message on a teapot, the maker was ensuring it would be seen everyday by the people who used it.
• Teapots are functional, but also decorative. Even today, some people collect them or display one at their home. This teapot was made to be displayed to show its owners’ views.
• Drinking tea is a social act, this teapot would have been a way for the person who owned it to communicate their political views to their friends and family and guests.

Answers will vary but may include:

• This teapot might have made someone feel inspired and empowered because it was a reminder of past colonial success against Great Britain.
• This teapot might have made someone feel frustrated because it could symbolize to them that the colonies’ position had not changed or improved since the repeal of the Stamp Act.