Antique Wedgwood Simple Yet Perfect Teapot Peony Pattern Transferware 1908 SYP

A highly collectable Wedgwood SYP Simple Yet Perfect Teapot with transfer printed Peony pattern. This novelty teapot design was the brainchild of the 12th Earl of Dundonald. The SYP as it is known, has a domed top covering half the teapot and the remaining half is covered by a wedge shaped lid that slots into place and cannot come off when the pot tilts forward. Inside the upper part of the teapot there is a pierced tray fixed across the pot the form an infuser compartment for the tea leaves. Once the leaves are put in place and the hot water poured in, the pot is tipped onto its back where there are two little legs, allowing the tea to infuse. After a time, the teapot can be righted and the tea will no longer stew in the pot as the compartment keeps the tea leaves separate from the water. 

The teapot is marked on the base and the underside of the lid. The marks to the base include the name Wedgwood, both printed and impressed, and the pattern name, Peony. The impressed date code is 3TK which equates to June 1908. The lid has the printed patent trade mark for the SYP and the address, 6, Strand on The Green, Chiswick. 

It stands 8 inches high and is 8 3/4 inches long. It weighs 891g and has some damage. The lid has been broken and re-glued with some restoration - see photos - and there is also a restored chip to the rim of the pot. Despite the damage, it displays well and is a great piece for any collector.