Tea Urn

ClassificationsFurnishings-Serviceware-vessels-urns and samovars

Datemid to late 19th Century

Made AtUnited States, North America

MediumSilver plated bronze or brass and possibly ivory

Dimensions15 1/4 × 10 3/4 × 10 in. (38.7 × 27.3 × 25.4 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. John and Elizabeth Stahr

Object number2016.6.1a

DescriptionThis is a tea or hot water urn used to heat tea, water or other beverages. The beverage inside was kept warm for serving and drinking. The small cylindrical container that rests on the base of this urn is a spirit lamp. It was used as a heating element to keep the beverage inside the bowl of the urn warm. It was filled with alcohol to achieve this purpose. Urns such as this were popular items included in serviceware sets, particularly tea sets. Often, as is this case with this example, the sets would include bowls for sugar. The designs on this urn, including the clawed feet and leaf-shaped elements, are consistent with the Rococo Revival style that was popular in the United States in the 19th Century.

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