Wedgwood & Co. looks to the traditional drum shape for this blue aesthetic transfer teapot.  However they make one modification to the traditional form: the side wall tapers in at both the shoulder and base, significantly lightening the profile of the pot.

The blue transfer "Heron" pattern, a design of flying birds, clouds and stylized foliage, appears to have been printed in a sheet  and cut into strips which were applied around the body of the pot.  This is especially apparent when one notes the elongated herons flying behind the handle and spout. 

The pot is finished with a simple fan shape tab knop, adding one more touch of exoticism to the composition. 

"Heron" is one of several patterns that appear to emulate Christopher Dresser's well-known design for Minton, "Japanese Crane." Dresser's pattern, developed for tiles, but adapted to many forms, was registered in December 1872. Wedgwood & Co.'s "Heron was registered not quite one year later.  

The traditional teapot shape with its Japanesque decoration illustrates the mix of eighteenth century traditions and exotic Asian style in aesthetic ceramics--a combination often overlooked in our emphasis on Japanism.