Tea Vase by Matthew Boulton

Acquisition of a neoclassical silver tea vase by Matthew Boulton (1728-1809). With his partner John Fothergill, Boulton was instrumental in establishing an Assay Office in Birmingham which led to the development of one of the city's major manufacturing industries. The tea vase, engraved with Matthew Boulton's arms and motto, is an early piece in the history of Birmingham's Assay Office, hallmarked 1776. Its design ingeniously conceals the practical purposes of tea pouring, giving the vase the appearance of a magnificent piece of ornamental plate.