This teapot was made by Paul Storr (1770-1844), one of the most celebrated English silversmiths of the 19th century. Initially, his work was retailed by Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, but Storr went on to form his own partnership from 1823-1838 with John Mortimer, a silver retailer based at 13 New Bond Street. This teapot, retailed by the firm, is modelled in the shape of a melon with a blossom finial, conforming to the fashion for naturalistic forms and shapes. Melon-shaped teawares and mustard pots were inspired by 18th century Dutch silverware and were widely available during the 1830s. Storr produced melon-shaped teawares in many variations. A hot water kettle in the Chitra Collection (CCN 110), made by Storr in the same year, is also modelled in this shape.
