Porto, João Coelho Sampaio, 1768-1784 Cast, chased, repoussé, chiselled silver Wooden teapot handle Inv. 481/1/2/3 Tea became widely consumed in Portugal during the second half of the 18th century, prompting the creation of elegant tea services containing three to five items, which were strongly influenced by French and English models. This service comprises a teapot, a sugar bowl and a milk jug with matching decoration and marks from the famous silversmith and assayer from Porto, João Coelho Sampaio, who was most active during the reign of King José. His immense creativity and excellent chiselling skills placed him among the most respected silversmiths of his time. Covered with markedly rococo decorations (curved mouldings, shell patterns, cartouches, pagodas, grooves, stylised leaves and small roses) balanced by smooth surfaces, the bulbous shape of the three pieces makes them especially lavish. The teapot in particular has a spout in the form of a bird’s neck and is topped by a duck’s head.