Tea Caddies
1751-1752 (hallmarked)
Object Type
A matching set of tea canisters and sugar bowl. The pair of canisters would hold black, fermented tea leaves and green, unfermented tea leaves, while the larger bowl would hold sugar. All the vessels have tightly-fitting covers to prevent moisture spoiling the contents. This set would probably have been kept together in a lockable wooden container.
History
Tea canisters are usually known today as tea 'caddies'. The word 'caddy' came into common usage in Britain in the late 18th century, and is probably a derivative of the Malay word for a measure of weight (kati) equivalent to about half a kilogram.
Use
As tea was prepared at the table by the hostess in the 18th century, tea vessels and utensils were usually of a material and decoration that reflected the social and economic status of the owner. This set is particularly unusual in being made of silver gilt. It is decorated in the most fashionable style. The maker of this set, Samuel Taylor (active from 1744), specialised in tea canisters and sugar bowls.
A matching set of tea canisters and sugar bowl. The pair of canisters would hold black, fermented tea leaves and green, unfermented tea leaves, while the larger bowl would hold sugar. All the vessels have tightly-fitting covers to prevent moisture spoiling the contents. This set would probably have been kept together in a lockable wooden container.
History
Tea canisters are usually known today as tea 'caddies'. The word 'caddy' came into common usage in Britain in the late 18th century, and is probably a derivative of the Malay word for a measure of weight (kati) equivalent to about half a kilogram.
Use
As tea was prepared at the table by the hostess in the 18th century, tea vessels and utensils were usually of a material and decoration that reflected the social and economic status of the owner. This set is particularly unusual in being made of silver gilt. It is decorated in the most fashionable style. The maker of this set, Samuel Taylor (active from 1744), specialised in tea canisters and sugar bowls.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 6 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Embossed silver gilt |
| Brief description | Set of two tea caddies with matching sugar basin, silver |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
Pairs of matching canisters for black and green tea were often accompanied by a third vessel for sugar. The use of silver gilt is interesting because it was rarely employed in the second half of the 18th century. It was revived only at the beginning of the 19th century.(27/03/2003) |
| Credit line | Bequeathed by W. J. Johnson |
| Object history | Made in London by Samuel Taylor (active from 1744) |
| Summary | Object Type A matching set of tea canisters and sugar bowl. The pair of canisters would hold black, fermented tea leaves and green, unfermented tea leaves, while the larger bowl would hold sugar. All the vessels have tightly-fitting covers to prevent moisture spoiling the contents. This set would probably have been kept together in a lockable wooden container. History Tea canisters are usually known today as tea 'caddies'. The word 'caddy' came into common usage in Britain in the late 18th century, and is probably a derivative of the Malay word for a measure of weight (kati) equivalent to about half a kilogram. Use As tea was prepared at the table by the hostess in the 18th century, tea vessels and utensils were usually of a material and decoration that reflected the social and economic status of the owner. This set is particularly unusual in being made of silver gilt. It is decorated in the most fashionable style. The maker of this set, Samuel Taylor (active from 1744), specialised in tea canisters and sugar bowls. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.1777-1944 |
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| Record created | April 26, 1999 |
| Record URL |
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