This darling porcelain teapot sports the Hilditch Chinoiserie pattern called "Dancing Dog". The teapot is about 9-3/4" from handle to spout, and about 6" high. It holds 4 cups. It was made about 1830-35 by Hilditch & Son of Lane End, Staffordshire.

Although marked only with a hand pained squiggle on the base, there is lots of evidence as to its maker. There are examples of the pattern in Davis' "Chinoiserie" and Hewitt & Owen's "Hilditch Porcelain". The shape of the teapot is typically Hilditch, and can be seen on page 265 of "Staffordshire Porcelains", in the chapter by Peter Helms.

It is in excellent, original condition. There are no chips, no cracks, no crazing and no repairs. It is shiny and bright, with no discoloration. Both pot and cover ring when tapped. There is an "in-the-making" firing flaw where the base of the handle attaches to the pot, which does not seem to affect the strength of the handle.