Caddy
1784-1785 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The term caddy (originally catti) is derived from the Malay word, kati, which was a unit of weight used for tea, 75 katis equalling 100lbs. The kati was the weight, about one and one third pounds (600 grams) of the standard 18th century packet of tea.
The tea caddy is a closed container for dry tea, used at a tea table as part of a tea service. The earliest examples in silver were in the shape of Chinese porcelain tea jars. Later, caddies in silver or Sheffield plate were made in many styles, shapes and sizes.
The tea caddy is a closed container for dry tea, used at a tea table as part of a tea service. The earliest examples in silver were in the shape of Chinese porcelain tea jars. Later, caddies in silver or Sheffield plate were made in many styles, shapes and sizes.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silver, engraved |
| Brief description | Silver tea caddy, York hallmarks for 1784-5, mark of J. Hampton and J. Prince. |
| Physical description | Silver, oval decorated with floral swags and with bright cut bands round top and bottom. In front, a lock, on the back an engraved crest (an arm holding a scimitar). Flat lid with vase knob; central partition inside. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Credit line | Arthur Hurst Bequest |
| Object history | Bequest - Arthur Hurst Acquisition RF: 40 / 434 |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | The term caddy (originally catti) is derived from the Malay word, kati, which was a unit of weight used for tea, 75 katis equalling 100lbs. The kati was the weight, about one and one third pounds (600 grams) of the standard 18th century packet of tea. The tea caddy is a closed container for dry tea, used at a tea table as part of a tea service. The earliest examples in silver were in the shape of Chinese porcelain tea jars. Later, caddies in silver or Sheffield plate were made in many styles, shapes and sizes. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.21-1940 |
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| Record created | September 10, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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