Leeds Pottery Tea Canister With Floral Enamels, Double Mark, C. 1780

This is an early English pearlware tea canister, made at Leeds Pottery in Hunslet, Yorkshire, circa 1780. Its twelve-sided body rises to a high cylindrical neck and is finely potted with crisp, faceted sides.

It is hand-painted in overglaze enamels featuring a large floral bouquet in purple, pink, iron-red, green, and blue, along with smaller flowering sprays on the remaining facets and the shoulder. The edges of the shoulder and neck are outlined in iron-red enamel.

The underside bears a rare but documented, impressed LEEDS POTTERY mark.

This is a unique and exceptionally rare Leeds Pottery example, distinguished by the factory mark being impressed twice; no other recorded example of this mark format is known. Of equal importance, all edges remain intact, including the neck and rim—a notable survival compared to other known examples.

Leeds Pottery was founded in Hunslet in 1770 by Richard Humble, along with John and Joshua Green. As one of England’s earliest major creamware manufacturers, it became widely known for the quality and lightness of its wares, later expanding into pearlware. Its 1783 trade catalogue advertised wares that could be enamelled, printed, or ornamented with gold. Despite several later changes in ownership, the original Leeds Pottery works finally closed in 1881. This tea canister is an early and well-preserved example of their enamelled pearlware. A related enamelled Leeds tea canister, dating to circa 1770, is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Dimensions: Weight 169 g; Height 12.5 cm; Width 8 cm; Depth 5.9 cm.

Condition: Excellent antique condition. UV examination confirms there are no cracks, repairs, or repainting. Only very minor wear is present on the enamel colours.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Please note that shipping costs include labour, packaging, and postage.