Art Nouveau Tea Set
Design Date 1903
Designer Paul Follot (1877-1941, French)
Manufacturer F.W. Quist Metallwarenfabrik (1890-1981), Esslingen, Germany
Media electroplated silver
Dimensions 1 1/4 x 24 3/8 x 17 inches (tray); 7 3/8 x 12 x 5 inches (coffeepot); 6 1/2 x 10 3/4 x 5 (teapot); 3 7/8 x 5 7/8 x 3 ¾ (creamer); 4 3/4 x 5 x 3 3/4 (sugar)
This tea set by Paul Follot employs motifs from nature, an important characteristic of Art Nouveau design. The tray in this set has two examples: the spray of blossoms at the base of the tray, and the curved lines above them, which match the scallop-shell-inspired lines on the other pieces in the tea set. The handles of each piece are whiplash curves, also common to Art Nouveau style, which avoided straight lines. Though Follot often designed expensive, exclusive pieces, this tea set for F. W. Quist (a German metalwork company) includes mass-produced silver-plated bronze pieces. Follot later became a founder of the Art Deco Movement.
ON VIEW in Art Nouveau Gallery 4
Markings Impressed "P.W.Q.K." manufacturer's marks on bottom and "Follot" monogram, top lower left. Engraved on bottom is mark with three diamonds, first and third have "P.W.Q.K." Center has circular logo with stars and indistinguishable letters. Artist signature engraved on top of tray: "Follot.
Credit Line Collection Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
Accession Number 2013.0162