Wedgwood referred to the shape of this Rosso Antico teapot as "Egyptian." The simple flattened ovoid shape is accented by a horizontal band, defined by two raised lines, that wraps around the "belly" of the teapot. In this example, a contrasting dense, black floral sprig border is set inside the band. A second complementary floral sprig border circles the lid. The combination of the "rosso" ground and black sprigging was a favorite formula of the period and links the "Egyptian" shape examples with pieces that carry actual Egyptian derived motifs.

Wedgwood glazes the interior of this piece to prevent liquids from being absorbed by the porous stoneware body.   

Wedgwood and other Staffordshire potters understood the marketing potential of appealing to current popular trends. The "Egyptian" label reflects the fascination with Egyptian antiquities that came to the attention of Europeans with the Napoleonic conquest and exploration of the region. Examples of the shape can be found in other stonewares such as caneware, drabware and basalt, as well as earthenware bodies--and with a variety of decoration techniques.. The last two photos show  additional Egyptian shape drabware pieces in Seekers current stock.