CLASSIC BLOCK OPTIC Antique Ironstone Teapot Circa 1890

Classic Block Optic design white antique IRONSTONE TEAPOT by J & G Meakin of Staffordshire, England, circa 1890.  The design features a squared-off look that it sometimes referred to as Mitered Block. The lid features a ring finial decorated on both sides with a small starburst motif.

The teapot measures approximately:

• 9 ¼” high with the lid
• 8 ¾” high without the lid
• 9" from handle to spout
• 5 ½” wide at the body's largest point, without the handle or spout

The pitcher is stamped with an early J & G Meakin trademark, featuring the Royal Arms with a lion rampant. Above the Royal Arms are the words, Ironstone China and below is the location of the factory, Hanley, England.

The piece is in excellent condition and free of chips, cracks, crazing, stains or discolorations.  A real showpiece that would make a great addition to someone's collection of antique ironstone or farmhouse decorating.

About Meakin Ironstone: The Meakin brothers, James and George, sons of James Meakin of Hanley, were master potters. In 1851 they opened a pottery firm to produce an inexpensive, plain, and durable "uniform hard white earthenware," called granite. After the end of the American Civil War, James, a shrewd businessman, saw potential in American imports. Within a decade, J & G Meakin had almost cornered the market of ironstone china in the United States. James Meakin passed his expertise on to his sons James and George, as well as sons Alfred, Charles and William. Moreover, James's son-in-law, Robert Johnson, was also a master potter, and it was his sons Henry, Robert, and Fred who established Johnson Brothers.