Black Teapot

The first collection in the Katy Potts “Utterly English Teaware” range features a variety of large teapots one of which is the “Black Octavia” – a black teapot with beautiful gold detail. The range is suitable for the most refined of occasions, ideal for lovers of Staffordshire tableware or connoisseurs of antique teapots and tea sets, or those who are simply seeking to add a touch of class to their morning cup of tea.

The Black Octavia is a hugely striking black and gold teapot. A luxurious 24 carat gold (not gold leaf) is used both in the heavily gilded spout and handle as well as the delicate daisy print.  Adding gold to a black teapot is a skilled technique – as liquid gold is itself a black colour and so cannot be seen against the teapot. The decorator must be highly experienced to gild the teapot so ‘blindly’. Further work-intensive skills are used on this teapot with ditzy enamelled dots that surround the daisy print, added by hand so making each teapot unique. A twist has been added to the classic round shape with an ergonomic thumb rest, which marries both function and form.  This teapot also comes in a pale lemon, pale turquoise and cream colour.

The second design in the collection, the Flora Dora range, also includes a black teapot, though much lighter and fresher in feel with a classic milky white base and a pretty hollyhock print. The clean lines and geometric shape has been inspired by the art deco movement of the 1920s and 1930s. These teapots are hand painted with small butterflies and flowers.  Flora Dora teapots also come in 3 other colourways: green, blue and multi-coloured  - making them a beautiful addition to any home.

All of the teapots in the range are incredibly work intensive, because the decoration cannot be applied all in one go and must be built up slowly, often they have to return to the kiln up to 4 times, sometimes taking over 40 hours of firing.