The elaborate design of this tea set, which features masks of Bacchus and Hercules between two satyrs, is based on the famous Warwick Vase, an ancient Roman marble vase dating from the 2nd century AD. The vase was discovered at Hadrian’s Villa, Tivoli in about 1771 by Gavin Hamilton, a Scottish painter-antiquarian and art dealer. Acquired by George Greville, 2nd Earl of Warwick, it was displayed at Warwick Castle where it remained for almost two centuries until it was purchased for The Burrell Collection in 1979. Since its rediscovery the Warwick Vase has been a major source of inspiration for the decorative arts in Britain.
