Tea Caddy thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Tea Caddy

ca. 1760 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This tea caddy of gilt silver was manufactured in Canton. It closely follows an English shape, though still retaining many Chinese elements, such as the lion masks carrying the handles and the small lion knob on the lid. The body of the caddy is lavishly decorated with ornate filigree, a technique that seems to have been a speciality of Canton. As the cost of labour was low in China, European-style tableware and cutlery in precious metal were made there and then exported to the West.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Tea Caddy
  • Lid
Materials and techniques
Silver gilt
Brief description
Met, China, vess/cont/holders, silver gilt

Met, China, vess/cont/holders, silver gilt
Physical description
This tea caddy of gilt silver was manufactured in Canton that closely follows an English shape, though still retaining many Chinese elements such as the lion masks carrying the handles and the small lion knob on the lid. The body of the caddy is lavishly decorated with ornate filigree, the technique seems to have been a speciality of Canton. As the cost of labour was low in China European-style tableware and cutlery in precious metal were made there and exported to the West.
Dimensions
  • Height: 18cm
Style
Credit line
Oppenheimer Gift
Summary
This tea caddy of gilt silver was manufactured in Canton. It closely follows an English shape, though still retaining many Chinese elements, such as the lion masks carrying the handles and the small lion knob on the lid. The body of the caddy is lavishly decorated with ornate filigree, a technique that seems to have been a speciality of Canton. As the cost of labour was low in China, European-style tableware and cutlery in precious metal were made there and then exported to the West.
Collection
Accession number
M.114:1, 2-1919

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Record createdFebruary 6, 2003
Record URL
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