Tea Canister
ca. 1768 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
Tea canisters, often called caddies today, were containers for storing tea leaves. During the 18th century, tea was made in front of family and guests in well-off households, not in the kitchen. Like other tea utensils, canisters were therefore often highly decorative. Initially an expensive luxury confined to the wealthy, tea became more widely drunk as prices fell during the 18th century. The gradual fall in price (before import duties were radically reduced in 1784) was reflected in the size of these containers. Worcester's canisters of this oval type, for example, became more bulbous and capacious.
Subject Depicted
Tea was usually prepared by the lady of the house, with the help of a servant. The inclusion of a black servant in this scene was not only a touch of realism, but also an emblem of luxury, emphasising the cost and exotic associations of tea.
Materials & Making
Worcester's raw materials included soaprock, which resulted in a type of porcelain that was resistant to the thermal shock of boiling water. Worcester's recipe was therefore suitable for tea and coffee wares.
Trading
Worcester sold much of its output through wholesale warehouses in London. However, it also disposed of some wares, including 'jet enamelled' wares of this type, through auctions attended by private buyers and merchants. In 1769 a 43-piece 'jet enamelled' tea service realized £1 16s at auction.
Tea canisters, often called caddies today, were containers for storing tea leaves. During the 18th century, tea was made in front of family and guests in well-off households, not in the kitchen. Like other tea utensils, canisters were therefore often highly decorative. Initially an expensive luxury confined to the wealthy, tea became more widely drunk as prices fell during the 18th century. The gradual fall in price (before import duties were radically reduced in 1784) was reflected in the size of these containers. Worcester's canisters of this oval type, for example, became more bulbous and capacious.
Subject Depicted
Tea was usually prepared by the lady of the house, with the help of a servant. The inclusion of a black servant in this scene was not only a touch of realism, but also an emblem of luxury, emphasising the cost and exotic associations of tea.
Materials & Making
Worcester's raw materials included soaprock, which resulted in a type of porcelain that was resistant to the thermal shock of boiling water. Worcester's recipe was therefore suitable for tea and coffee wares.
Trading
Worcester sold much of its output through wholesale warehouses in London. However, it also disposed of some wares, including 'jet enamelled' wares of this type, through auctions attended by private buyers and merchants. In 1769 a 43-piece 'jet enamelled' tea service realized £1 16s at auction.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Soft-paste porcelain, transfer-printed in black enamel |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label | British Galleries:
This is a version of the tea party scene illustrated on the bowl and saucer. The custom of taking tea outside was first made popular in The Netherlands during the late 17th century.(27/03/2003) |
| Object history | Transfer prints engraved by Robert Hancock (born about 1731, died in Brislington, South Gloucestershire, 1817) Made at the Worcester porcelain factory |
| Summary | Object Type Tea canisters, often called caddies today, were containers for storing tea leaves. During the 18th century, tea was made in front of family and guests in well-off households, not in the kitchen. Like other tea utensils, canisters were therefore often highly decorative. Initially an expensive luxury confined to the wealthy, tea became more widely drunk as prices fell during the 18th century. The gradual fall in price (before import duties were radically reduced in 1784) was reflected in the size of these containers. Worcester's canisters of this oval type, for example, became more bulbous and capacious. Subject Depicted Tea was usually prepared by the lady of the house, with the help of a servant. The inclusion of a black servant in this scene was not only a touch of realism, but also an emblem of luxury, emphasising the cost and exotic associations of tea. Materials & Making Worcester's raw materials included soaprock, which resulted in a type of porcelain that was resistant to the thermal shock of boiling water. Worcester's recipe was therefore suitable for tea and coffee wares. Trading Worcester sold much of its output through wholesale warehouses in London. However, it also disposed of some wares, including 'jet enamelled' wares of this type, through auctions attended by private buyers and merchants. In 1769 a 43-piece 'jet enamelled' tea service realized £1 16s at auction. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 1448&A-1853 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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