About This Object
A fabulous 18th century kettle stand. England, circa 1760.
Why We Like It
We love the subtle decorative rim to the top and superb overall proportions.
History
Tripod tables and kettle stands were primarily made for holding tea and coffee paraphernalia. Tea had been introduced into this country, from Holland, in the early 17th century and in spite of the high prices and heavy duty imposed, it gradually became a fashionable drink and tea-drinking a fashionable pastime. Towards the middle of the 18th century, there was a shift from the former fashion of drinking in tea gardens to drinking at home. Consequently, cabinet-makers turned their attention to the making of suitable ornamental tables. William Ince and John Mayhew illustrated designs for 'Tea Kettle Stands' in their The Universal System of Household Furniture, 1762, as did Thomas Chippendale in his The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, London, 3rd ed., 1762, p. LV.
Dimensions
Height: 22.5 in / 57 cm
Width: 19.5 in / 49.5 cm
Depth: 17 in / 43 cm
Top:
Width: 11 in / 27.5 cm
Depth: 11 in / 27.5 cm
