Harmony teapot

ARTIST / MAKER: F. Scavia (maker)
N.K. Sethia (designer)
DATE: 2017 (made)
PLACE: Italy (made)
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES: 18kt gold, enamels and diamonds
COLLECTION NUMBER: 1410

This ribbed teapot is decorated with transluscent enamels in rainbow hues against a guilloché ground. Guilloché (or guilloche) is a decorative technique in which a very precise, intricate and repetitive pattern is mechanically engraved onto a metal object by placing it on an engine-turned lathe. Although such patterns could be achieved by hand, the introduction of engine-turning machines for metals in the 18th century allowed for greater precision and intricacy. Titled ‘Harmony’, this teapot’s design draws upon the universality of colours and represents Mr Sethia’s belief that behind variety lies unity.