Assembled Tea Service

The sturdy, rounded shapes of the four vessels in this tea service-including a teapot, hot water jug, sugar bowl, and cream jug-were probably inspired by the forms of ancient Roman oil lamps. English silversmith Storr decorated several of the handles with acanthus leaves, a motif also adopted from classical antiquity. The service sits on an oblong tray made by William Bennett, inscribed with the Latin motto facta non verba, meaning "deeds, not words."

Credit: Gift of Mrs. Bertrand L. Kohlmann in memory of her husband, son of Hugo Kohlmann, Institute trustee, 1950-65, and president, 1960-65, 1982