While not as famous as Josiah Wedgwood, Elijah Mayer porcelain was among the best produced in the late 18th Century in England. His particular specialty was so-called basalt or Egyptian black porcelain, and this coffee pot is a striking example. The carved relief striping is what I really like about this piece, but the spout is also interesting to me. It almost looks Art Nouveau in style because of the sharp, angular shape juxtaposed with the curly leaves at the base. Available at Leo Kaplan in New York.
