Hot Water Can, Two Temples I, Variation Temple

Item Number: T13
Item Shape: Hot Water Can
Pattern Name: Two Temples I, Variation Temple
Dimensions:   H 8″
Date:  c. 1880+
Maker: William T. Copeland
Maker’s Mark: Copeland impressed Crown mark
Description:
This uniquely shaped hot water can  is in the form of a garden watering can. Offered by Copeland as part of a toilet set, it was used to warm the chilly water poured from a ewer into the wash bowl in the morning.  Half of the cover swings open and is anchored with a metal rod. It is printed underglaze in Copeland’s Two Temples I, Variation Temple pattern with gilt trim. There are several alternate names for this pattern: Shuttered Windows, Pagoda, Temple, Four Figure Temple, Pagoda, and Broseley.
Note: A similar form is in the Spode Factory Museum collection.
The Spode name of Temple in the early pattern books gave way to the use of ‘Two Temples I, variation Temple’ that denotes the close resemblance to the pattern known as ‘Two Temples II, variation Broseley’. The position of the willow tree and extra figure found in the garden are the two elements that help differentiate one pattern from the other.
Condition:   Body is in excellent condition with only limited wear to gilt trim.