Portuguese silver teapot made by João Coelho de Sampaio, a renowned Oporto silversmith from the second-half of the 18th century. Dating from the reign of King José I, it adheres to the prevalent rococo taste by featuring chiselled, engraved and repoussé floral, foliage and other decorative motifs characteristic of its period.

Of inverted pear shaped body standing on a circular plain stepped foot, its shoulder is densely filled by a band of rococo motifs with scrolls, winglets, shells and flowers such as chrysanthemums and daisies that extend over the bell shaped cover of masterly chiselled flowering bud lid pommel.

The fluted swan neck spout joins the bulging body in a decorative composition of scrolls and shell motifs. On the opposing face a typical rococo carved rosewood handle that seems to enter the body through an elegant silver floral element.

This exceptional teapot stands out for its evident technical quality and harmonious decorative balance. An exemplar work by João Coelho de Sampaio, the elegance of its lines together with its harmonious decoration reveals the unquestionable virtuosity of the master silversmith as well as the sophistication of the period it portrays.