Tea Canister
1780-1800 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
Tea caddies are domestic containers used to store loose tea leaves. They were called 'canisters' until about 1800, when they became known as 'caddies', the term we use today. They were placed on the table as tea was served and were therefore decorated in a variety of fashionable styles.
Ownership & Use
Tea was a popular drink even in smaller households in the later 18th century, although it was expensive owing to import restrictions and duties. Caddies had locks to protect the valuable contents. All teas came from China until 1839, when Indian teas began to be imported.
Design & Designing
The smooth metal surface of this caddy is ideal for the detailed paintings of pastoral scenes on each side. The paintings are circled in gold, with an outer border painted in green stripes. Metal tea caddies were usually plain or painted with patterns; tea caddies painted finely, such as this one, are rare. Pastoral scenes and landscapes were popular subjects.
Materials & Making
This caddy is made of iron or steel probably covered in layer of tin. It has a small brass handle, and an inner lid made of mahogany with a turned ivory knob.
Tea caddies are domestic containers used to store loose tea leaves. They were called 'canisters' until about 1800, when they became known as 'caddies', the term we use today. They were placed on the table as tea was served and were therefore decorated in a variety of fashionable styles.
Ownership & Use
Tea was a popular drink even in smaller households in the later 18th century, although it was expensive owing to import restrictions and duties. Caddies had locks to protect the valuable contents. All teas came from China until 1839, when Indian teas began to be imported.
Design & Designing
The smooth metal surface of this caddy is ideal for the detailed paintings of pastoral scenes on each side. The paintings are circled in gold, with an outer border painted in green stripes. Metal tea caddies were usually plain or painted with patterns; tea caddies painted finely, such as this one, are rare. Pastoral scenes and landscapes were popular subjects.
Materials & Making
This caddy is made of iron or steel probably covered in layer of tin. It has a small brass handle, and an inner lid made of mahogany with a turned ivory knob.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
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| Materials and techniques | Japanned and painted, probably on tin sheet, over iron or steel, with brass handle |
| Brief description | Tea canister, English, 1780-1800 |
| Physical description | Square metal tea canister. Each side is painted with a circular medallion with a landscape with sheep and cattle. The front panel also has a shepherd playing a pipe. On the top is a brass drop handle. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | Given by Thomas Sutton, Esq., in memory of his wife |
| Object history | Made in Britain |
| Summary | Object Type Tea caddies are domestic containers used to store loose tea leaves. They were called 'canisters' until about 1800, when they became known as 'caddies', the term we use today. They were placed on the table as tea was served and were therefore decorated in a variety of fashionable styles. Ownership & Use Tea was a popular drink even in smaller households in the later 18th century, although it was expensive owing to import restrictions and duties. Caddies had locks to protect the valuable contents. All teas came from China until 1839, when Indian teas began to be imported. Design & Designing The smooth metal surface of this caddy is ideal for the detailed paintings of pastoral scenes on each side. The paintings are circled in gold, with an outer border painted in green stripes. Metal tea caddies were usually plain or painted with patterns; tea caddies painted finely, such as this one, are rare. Pastoral scenes and landscapes were popular subjects. Materials & Making This caddy is made of iron or steel probably covered in layer of tin. It has a small brass handle, and an inner lid made of mahogany with a turned ivory knob. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.71&A-1919 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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