A very rare William De Morgan lustre 'Cadogan' teapot, circa 1888-1898

of baluster shape with a high loop handle and upturned spout, painted in ruby lustre on each side with a Vulture perched in a tree branch, impressed mark for the early Fulham period.

Gorringes, Lewes, 5th September 2000, lot 98

There is a small triangular shaped flat shallow chip to the underside edge of the foot which measures 0.8cm at the widest point.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

It is possible that this experimental teapot was the only one produced by William De Morgan. Elements of the bird design are similar to a transfer tile design of a Vulture with a snake in blue, illustrated by Martin Greenwood, The Designs of William De Morgan, 1989, p. 130, which is in the archive of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London acc. no. E.1034-1917. The design is stamped with a P, which denotes that it was produced prior to 1888 when William De Morgan entered a partnership with the architect Halsey Ricardo.