Variations on a Theme: Teapots from RAM's Collection

Exhibition Website

Jan 29 2017 - Jul 9 2017

While the teapot as a functional object can be traced back about 800 years to China, the form is familiar in Western Europe and the United States. As the teapot became connected to status and luxury via trade centuries ago, Western manufacture began in earnest. Most of the earliest teapots were metal, yet within the context of contemporary craft, most are associated with ceramics. RAM’s holdings include teapots made in a variety of materials, yet those made of clay are the most numerous.

In 1999, collector Donna Moog offered RAM a gift of over 250 teapots. The impact of the Moog collection cannot be understated as it represents a large body of work by diverse artists in a range of styles. Since this gift, RAM has added over 100 teapots from other donors, thereby establishing one of the largest public collections of contemporary artist-made teapots in the United States.

Please vote for your favorite teapot in the exhibition. At the close of the show, the top winners will stay on display for a longer period of time.

Exhibition overview from museum website

  • Decorative Arts
  • International
  • Contemporary
  • Design
  • Ceramics / Porcelain / Pottery
  • Various artists

Exhibition Venues & Dates