Steven Montgomery Trompe l’Oeil Teapot, 1990

Steven Montgomery Trompe l’Oeil Teapot, 1990

Painted earthenware

8½ h × 13¼ w × 7 d in (22 × 34 × 18 cm)

Incised signature and date to underside: “Steven Montgomery ’90”.

A sculptural trompe l’oeil teapot by Steven Montgomery, executed in 1990. Hand-built in earthenware, the work takes the form of an imagined industrial machine, with articulated pipe-like handle and spout, bolted panels, and a metallic painted surface that convincingly disguises the ceramic body.

Montgomery is known for highly detailed ceramic sculptures inspired by machinery, industrial components, pipes, gauges, and infrastructure. His work exploits the contrast between the apparent weight and hardness of metal and the actual material of clay, transforming functional and mechanical imagery into meticulously constructed sculpture.

Condition: Very good condition with light shelf wear consistent with age.