Lusterware has long been prized for its beautiful iridescence and the way it captures the light. Examples of pottery decorated with metallic glazes can be found in the Middle East as far back as the 9th century. The technique eventually made its way to Europe and by the 19th century lusterware was in full production with the potteries of England leading the way.

Copper lusterware was particularly popular during the Victorian era as gaslight was first being introduced into the homes of the wealthy. It was fashionable to arrange groupings of copper lusterware on a mirrored platform in the center of the dining room table below the chandelier. The gaslight above accentuated the lustrousness and created a rich, warm ambiance - sure to impress the guests at a dinner party.

From France, we are under the lustrous spell of this charming and rare Antique Copper Lusterware Teapot. The wide cobalt band around the middle of the pot is embossed and hand-painted with pretty pale pink apple blossoms on a leafy branch, while the top of the pot as well as the lid are embellished with a fine bead border. Produced in France by the venerable potters of Sarreguemines, it is sure to add a gleaming touch of lustrous charm wherever it is displayed.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In very good antique condition. 6" tall x 9" at its widest point.

Learn More About Sarreguemines

Sarreguemines is the name of a small village near the German border in the Lorraine region of northeast France. It was in that village on the Saar River, that a family-owned pottery business was begun in 1790 that would eventually develop a reputation around the world for beautifully crafted, colorful ceramics.

This reputation, of course reached Paris and Napoleon I became one of Sarreguemines customers. In fact, most of the original decorative tiles used in the construction of the Paris metro stations were produced in the factories of Sarreguemines. In 1876 after the Franco Prussian War, a new plant was opened in the town of Digoin in the Loire Valley region of France. 

The potters of Sarreguemines brought the small city to the top of the earthenware industry, and from the 19th century Sarreguemines provided the whole world with a vast collection of earthenware, vases, decorative flower pots, wall frescos, chimneys, and so on.

The faience factories of Sarreguemines no longer exist, but the heritage of their quality craftsmanship and artistry lives on in beautiful antique pieces such as this wonderful coffee pot.