The water dropper is modelled in the form of a lychee, the adherent leaves and stems once forming the handle, unfortunately now missing, 9cm.
The spout is encased in a silver-gilt mount which has upon it the figure of a newt-like amphibian lying on an amorphous ledge.
The base is set with a pierced foliate silver-gilt foot.
It appears in the 1690 Devonshire Schedule, an inventory listing an enormous bequest to Anne, Countess of Exeter (1649-1703), from her mother Elizabeth, Countess of Devonshire (1619-1689).
Under the heading ‘Lesser China garnisht with silver Guilt’ appears: ‘A small yellow teapot with green handle garnisht ffoot and spout with a chaine A ffrogg and a newte.’
The frog may once have sat upon the handle.
