Miniature Victoria & Albert Museum "Bow" Teapot (Franklin Mint, 1985) 🇬🇧🌸🦋
This is a Miniature Fine Porcelain Teapot from a highly collectible 1985 commemorative series, directly reproducing the style of the famed 18th-century Bow Porcelain Factory.
-
Collaboration: A licensed piece from the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and produced by The Franklin Mint.
-
Design Style: Known as the Hans Sloane or Botanical style, featuring vibrant polychrome floral and insect motifs.
| Dimension | Measurement (Approximate) |
| Height | 3.5 inches (Based on ruler image) |
| Width | 4.5 inches (Spout to handle) |
| Capacity | Miniature/Novelty (Single-serving or display) |
2. Item Details & Design ✨🎨
The teapot is a faithful reproduction of an 18th-century form, decorated with rich, overglaze enamels.
-
Shape: Traditional globular body with a small, rounded foot.
-
Decoration: Features large, detailed flower blooms (roses, bellflowers) in pink, yellow, and deep purple, interspersed with small, detailed insects like dragonflies and butterflies.
-
Handle/Spout: The scroll handle is lightly painted with floral elements, and the tapered spout features painted flowers.
-
Backstamp: Clearly marked "VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM BOW FINE PORCELAIN © 1985 FRANKLIN MINT".
3. Historical/Period Context 🌏🕰️
-
Period: 1985 (Modern Commemorative). The piece is a mid-late 20th-century tribute to 18th-century European porcelain.
-
Significance: Represents a high-end collectible market niche: licensed reproductions of museum-quality historical ceramics. The original Bow factory pieces are exceedingly rare and valuable, making this Franklin Mint reproduction a desirable, affordable historical proxy.
-
Design Heritage: The "Hans Sloane" floral style is named after the noted collector and botanist, and it represents a significant chapter in the history of English porcelain.
4. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐
This item is perfect for:
-
Collectors of Franklin Mint or Museum Commemorative Editions.
-
Enthusiasts of Miniature Teapots with historical significance.
-
Buyers seeking the look of 18th-Century English Porcelain (Bow, Chelsea) at an accessible price point.
5. Condition & Valuation 💎💰
-
Condition: Excellent Vintage Condition. The porcelain is bright white, and the overglaze enamels are crisp, vibrant, and fully intact. No chips, cracks, or wear are visible.
-
Rarity: Moderate (Part of a limited-edition Franklin Mint series, but readily found in the secondary market).
-
Valuation Strategy: Price is driven by the piece's perfect condition, the quality of the reproduction painting, and the prestige associated with the V&A Museum and Franklin Mint brand names.