Early European tea drinking gained popularity in the 1700s.  At first England imported its teaware from China because it was difficult to locally replicate the fine porcelain used in Chinese teaware.  The invention of the handle on a tea bowl was utilitarian and allowed the British to comfortably hold a cup of hot black tea in fine china. 
 
This is a hand painted and gilded tea pot this would have been used in a wealthy household.
 
The condition of the tea pot is good.
 
Dimensions : 27cm x 17cm including spout 15cm high