So, I have started collecting these, found most at the second hand store in Helena, then one at a flea market in Lincoln this summer.
While I was at the Oregon coast, I found several at an antique store, I bought the smallest one.($12) To my surprize I found one large one that looks like a Japanese pot, but was English and 4 times more expensive ($54).
I got home yesterday, and today googled it. This is what I found out.
"Redware glazed brown Tea Pots from Japan were very popular in the 1940's. The Brown Glazed finish ranged from a lighter reddish brown to a deeper chocolate brown (like this teapot) and was often hand decorated in a relief painting style called Moriage. This teapot has a rounded "C" like handle, Moriage style painted flowers in relief, and gold trim and embellishments. The rounded body of the teapot is fluted and is in Excellent Condition. Japan is written in gold on the bottom. The unglazed foot shows the identifying red clay. The lid has a knob and a steam vent hole. A small flange or nub on the inside of the lid juts out to keep the lid in place when tipped to pour. This little nub on the inside of the lid exhibits the only chip found (see photos) and that is rather small, inconsequential, and certainly unseen most of the time. The teapot measures 6 1/2" from spout to handle, and 4 1/2" tall. It comfortably holds 12 ounces. Perfect for use or decor. ($18)
This teapot was made from the red clay discovered in the Staffordshire region of England over 200 years ago and enthusiastically used by the local potters ever since. Very popular in the 19th and early 20th century Staffordshire Redware as it became known was the ideal material for producing table-wares especially teapots due to its ruggedness and superior heat retaining qualities. No need for a tea cosy to keep the tea hot! This Redware chocolate glazed teapot is decorated in typical fashion with gold stenciled floral swagged trim and raised-enamel dots of blue, orange, turquoise and white. Condition is good, there is some rub to the gold trim due to age and use, some enameled dots have worn off and there are the usual manufacturing blips and spots. The lid is broken on the inside and missing the piece. This in no way affects the use or display of this teapot but it is priced accordingly. Size is 7" high and 9" across. There is no makers mark (possibly an unmarked Sadler) but this piece likely dates to the late Victorian, early Edwardian period judging by the decoration. ($53)
The English potter John Dwight made the first copies of China ”redware” pots in Fulham in 1684. His techniques were copied by the Elers brothers from Holland, who set up a factory in Staffordshire. They, in turn, were copied by John Astbury, who pretended to be a simpleton and worked in the Elers factory for 18 months, learning the tricks of the trade.
It must be remembered that the various English potteries were in their full glory. The Elers were working near Burslem, producing a red ware similar to Japanese pottery, salt-glaze and black ware"
I think I have an English pot, there is no marking on the bottom similar to the english pot listed above, but the bad news is, the lid is missing. Bummer.
