Charles-louis Joseph Duprez (dupret) – Silver Teapot, Brussels, First Empire, 1798–1809

Charles-Louis Joseph Duprez (Dupret) – Silver teapot, Brussels, First Empire, 1798–1809

A very beautiful silver teapot made in Brussels under French occupation during the First Empire, between 1798 and 1809, by the great Brussels silversmith Charles-Louis Joseph Duprez (Dupret), who was active in Brussels between 1799 and 1810.

During this period, Brussels was part of French territory, and Brussels silversmithing was therefore subject to the French system of control and certification for precious metals. The teapot thus bears the rooster hallmark, which in this case corresponds to 800-th silver.

In addition to this hallmark, there is a hallmark of guarantee bearing the index number 26, the number assigned to Brussels within this control system. The various assay offices were identified by an index number, which made it possible to determine where the piece was inspected. The presence of this index number 26 thus allows us to precisely identify Brussels and confirms the Brussels origin of this teapot.

Oval in shape—typical of Brussels craftsmanship from this period—it features a body entirely adorned with vertical fluting, while the upper rim is accented by a beaded frieze. The lid is embellished with a particularly meticulous engraved design.

One detail of craftsmanship deserves special attention: the lid’s hinge is integrated into the decoration. The silversmith took care to engrave the hinge itself so that it visually blends in with the ornamentation. This functional element thus becomes almost invisible when the lid is closed. This discreet yet technically demanding work attests to the mastery and care brought to the piece’s execution.

The interior still retains its original vermeil, in a very fine state of preservation. The presence of this original interior gilding is a particularly notable feature for a teapot of this era.

The handle is made of ebony and shows signs of an earlier restoration involving gluing. The teapot is otherwise in excellent condition.

Weighing 780 grams, it is substantial for a teapot of this period and attests to its generous use of materials.

Characteristics

• Silversmith: Charles-Louis Joseph Duprez (Dupret)
• Period of activity: Brussels, 1799–1810
• Object: teapot
• Origin: Brussels
• Period: First Empire
• Date: 1798–1809
• Material: 800-th silver
• Hallmarks: French rooster hallmark and Brussels hallmark No. 26
• Decoration: vertical fluting, beaded frieze, and engraved decoration
• Interior: original vermeil preserved
• Handle: ebony
• Distinguishing feature: engraved hinge integrated into the decoration
• Maximum height: 15 cm
• Length: 28 cm
• Weight: 780 g
• Condition: very good condition; previously restored by gluing the ebony handle back on