Large and ornate glazed china teapot with lid in superb condition with two small exceptions. The piece is 8" tall and 11" wide from handle to spout. On the flared top of the teapot there is a single hairline, 1" long on the inner surface and 1" long on the flared underside so from most viewpoints it shows little or not at all. On the inner surface of the hollow base is another faint 1" hairline barely seen and not going through to outer surface. Lid has beehive scene on two sides with text on ribbon design: "By Industry And Temperance Our Wealth Will Increase." Both sides of teapot show "Father Mathew" standing with eight men and women (and one baby) seated around. Above his name and scene is text "The Celebrated Advocate Of Temperance Administering The Pledge." A beautiful and most impressive piece of historical china. This Irish reformer was welcomed to New York City July 2, 1849. Mayor Woodhull, a non-catholic, placed city hall at his disposal. For four weeks the visiting crowds practically eliminated all city business. Vice-President Fillmore was one of visitors. In Washington, President Taylor invited Father Mathew to dine at the White House and Congress gave him its highest honors. For two years, Father Mathew successfully toured the United States. Boston, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Little Rock, New Orleans and other areas heard his exhortations and were won to the practice of total abstinence. When he left the US in 1851, strong temperance societies carried on the work. "I Thank Heaven I Have Been Instrumental In Adding To The Ranks Of Temperance Over 600,000 in the United States" he wrote.