Vintage Brass Tea Kettle with Floral Ceramic Handle
Decorative Art; Kitchenware • Mass-produced/Commercial Workshop; likely European or Indian manufacture for the export market.
Style & Movement
Retro/Folk Revival style; Traditional Craftsman influence.
Medium & Technique
Hammered or spun brass body; cast brass spout and handle supports; transfer-printed glazed ceramic handle.
Creation Period
Mid-to-late 20th Century (circa 1950s–1980s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20–25 cm in height (including handle); circular base format.
Subject Description
A functional and decorative tea kettle featuring a bulbous brass body, a curved swan-neck spout, and a white ceramic handle decorated with two red floral rose motifs and green leaves. The design emphasizes domesticity and rustic charm.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Fair - Shows signs of significant oxidation, surface patina, and wear consistent with age and use.
Estimated Market Value
$20 – $50 USD
Auction Estimate
$15 – $40 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired as a household decorative item or utilitarian kitchenware via retail or secondary markets (thrift/estate sales).
Art Historical Significance
Representing the mid-century trend of 'Old World' revivalism, where metallic kitchenware was produced to mimic 18th and 19th-century copper and brass antiques for modern suburban homes.
Notable Features
The most distinctive feature is the floral ceramic handle, which differentiates this from industrial-only kettles and positions it as a 'country style' decorative object.
Condition Issues
Surface tarnish and dark spotting across the brass body; missing lid (not visible in image); minor scuffing on the ceramic handle; residue/mineral buildup on the interior.
Conservation Recommendations
Clean with a specialized non-abrasive brass polish to restore luster if desired; avoid harsh acidic cleaners that may damage the ceramic; display in a low-humidity environment to prevent further corrosion.