Tea first arrived in the Netherlands in 1610 although its high cost meant that it was only available to the privileged few. It was initially used for medicinal purposes but also became a novelty amongst the Dutch upper-class, who typically drank green tea infused with saffron. This teapot was made in the second half of the 18th century, by which time tea drinking was very fashionable and widespread. It’s maker, Cornelis de Haan, was born in The Hague in 1735 and followed his father, Marcelis de Haan, into the silversmithing trade. The curvaceous body and the lid demonstrate the restrained rococo style that was popular among silversmiths working in The Hague, and many teapots of this form or similar exist.
