Vessels that imitated the natural forms of fruits and vegetables became popular in 18th century England, with Wedgwood first popularising the cabbage and cauliflower leaf forms, based on examples produced by Meissen. This silver teapot and stand has been embossed and chased to resemble cabbage leaves, while the spout and handle are also decorated with organic inspired patterns, embellishments that became more elaborate over the first half of the 19th century. It was created by William Eley II, a silversmith about whom little is known. Apprenticed to his father in 1808 he gained his freedom by 1815, entering into a partnership with his brother upon his father’s death before registering his own marks in 1826.
