Teapot 1798 - 1809
Silver gilt with ebony handle | 14.9 x 24.1 x 15.9 cm (parts .a and .b together) | RCIN 48399
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Circular teapot with a flat cover, flattened ebonised bun knop, ebonised high scroll handle springing from a ram’s head, border around the lid of overlapping geometric lotus leaf motifs; upper border of berried lotus on matted ground. Spout with monster’s head and lower part with foliage. Engraved with a crowned SN monogram.
Marks: Paris, 1798-1809, and maker's mark of Henri Auguste.
Provenance
Henri Auguste was the son of the royal goldsmith Robert-Joseph Auguste (1723–1805), whose workshop he assumed in 1784–85. He continued to receive official patronage from Louis XVI and later from Napoleon. For the latter's coronation as Emperor he received a commission from the City of Paris, for a silver service comprising 425 pieces, most of which were melted down after the restoration under Charles X.
Stephanie de Beauharnais was the cousin of Napoleon's first wife Josephine, and was adopted by Bonaparte in 1796. On her marriage to Karl, Grand Duke of Baden on 7 April 1806, the Emperor presented her with a toilet service and other works of silver gilt, each decorated with the initials SN for Stephanie Napoleon. These passed by descent to her daughter Princess Marie Amelie, Duchess of Hamilton.
Purchased by Queen Mary at the Hamilton sale at Christie's in 1934..
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Creator(s)
(goldsmith)(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Silver gilt with ebony handle
Measurements
14.9 x 24.1 x 15.9 cm (parts .a and .b together)
727.7 g (Weight) (whole object)
Category
