In the second half of the 18th century, silversmiths in the Netherlands produced large quantities of small, finely crafted silverwares for a wealthy merchant market. Teapots resembling pumpkins, pomegranates or melons were fashionable at this time. This melon-shaped silver teapot has six lobed panels and four foliate feet, and demonstrates the restrained rococo style that was favoured amongst silversmiths in the Netherlands. The silver spout is modelled to resemble the knotted texture of a tree trunk. The maker of this teapot, Lucas van Giffen II (1751-1791), came from a family of silversmiths and became a master in 1772. During his career he was a highly regarded craftsman and in 1782 was commissioned by the city of Groningen to manufacture a silver box with the city coat of arms engraved on it.
