Small Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Small mahogany tea caddy with a hinged, faceted lid outlined by simple line inlay. The lid opens to
19th Century English Antique Mahogany Tea Caddy
Mahogany
Small Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Small mahogany tea caddy with a hinged, faceted lid outlined by simple line inlay. The lid opens to
Mahogany
Quality antique George III mahogany tea caddy
Located in Ipswich, GB
Quality antique George III mahogany tea caddy having a quality antique George III mahogany tea
Mahogany
18th Century, English Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in San Francisco, CA
English egg shaped carved mahogany tea caddy, circa 1790.
Mahogany
19th Century English Regency Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century English Regency Mahogany Tea Caddy with Flame Motif on four Bun Feet. Lock is signed
Mahogany
Antique George III quality mahogany tea caddy
Located in Ipswich, GB
Antique George III quality mahogany tea caddy having a quality antique George III mahogany and
Mahogany
A late George III mahogany tea caddy
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A late George III mahogany tea caddy, of rectangular form the hinged top opening to reveal three
Mahogany
George III Mahogany Tea Caddy with Inlay & Burled Crossbanding
Located in Atlanta, GA
George III Mahogany Tea Caddy with Inlay & Burled Crossbanding, ca. 1790
Mahogany
Antique English Regency Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A very fine regency period mahogany tea caddy. Wonderful early surface that is rich with patina
Mahogany
19th Century Mahogany Tea Caddy With Divided Interior
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Rectangular mahogany tea caddy featuring a beveled lid with raised handle, resting on small bun
Mahogany
English Georgian Mahogany Tea Caddy Box
Located in Queens, NY
English Georgian (18/19th Century) mahogany tea caddy box on bracket feet with inlaid satinwood and
Wood
American Mahogany Tea Caddy Signed Tiffany New York. Circa 1880
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany tea caddy with original fitted nickel plated divided interior. Signed Tiffany New
English George III Mahogany Tea Caddy with Patera Inlay, ca. 1790
Located in Atlanta, GA
English George III Mahogany Tea Caddy with Patera Inlay, ca. 1790
Mahogany
Antique Quality Regency Figured Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique quality Regency figured mahogany tea caddy having a figured mahogany lid opening to reveal
Other
18th Century Chippendale Mahogany Tea Caddy, Great Britain, Circa 1760
Located in London, GB
A mid-18th century Chippendale period figured mahogany tea caddy, ebony beaded and mahogany cross
Mahogany
English 19th Century Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An extraordinary 19th century English solid mahogany tea caddy. This shaped box has a carved
Bronze
Early 19th century Regency mahogany tea caddy
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 19th century regency mahogany tea caddy circa 1820. Made using flame mahogany veneers
Mahogany
$975
H 5 in W 4 in D 4 in
English Inlaid Mahogany Tea Caddy with Elaborate Crossbanding and Swag Inlay
Located in San Francisco, CA
An extremely fine quality inlaid mahogany tea caddy of elegant small size, the top and front with
Boxwood, Mahogany, Rosewood
Georgian Mahogany Tea Caddy With Floral Inlaid Decoration
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Fine Quality George III Period, Late 18th Century, Mahogany Tea Caddy Of Octagonal Form, Having
Mahogany
Georgian 18th Century Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Very Good Quality 18th century Georgian, Chippendale Period, Mahogany Tea Caddy Of Rectangular
Mahogany
William IV Mahogany Tea Caddy in the Form of a Pedestal Sideboard
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
An unusual William IV mahogany tea caddy in the form of a pedestal sideboard with a hinged lid
Mahogany
George III Period Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Very Good Quality 18th century, Georgian Mahogany Rectangular Tea Caddy, Having Original Brass
Mahogany
Regency Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine English Regency mahogany caddy with canted sides and shaped hinged top with ebony stringing
Mahogany
$1,850
H 6.5 in W 11.25 in D 6 in
19th c English Chippendale Style Mahogany Tea Caddy with Silver Plate Tea Boxes
Located in Milford, NH
A nicely carved English mahogany tea caddy in the Chippendale style with dome top and scroll carved
Silver Plate
Large Georgian Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A good quality Georgian 18th century mahogany rectangular tea caddy having replacement brass axe
Mahogany
Georgian 18th Century Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Late 18th century Georgian Period Mahogany Oblong tea caddy having very attractive inlaid
Mahogany
Georgian Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Southall, GB
This mid Georgian sarcophagus tea caddy, hand-crafted from beautifully grained mahogany, contains
Brass
Regency Mahogany Tea Caddy Miniature Serpentine Sideboard
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An Extremely Rare And Exceptionally Good Quality English Regency Period Mahogany Tea Caddy, In The
Mahogany
19th Century William IV Mahogany Tea Caddy
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century William IV mahogany double interior section tea caddy complete with large hand cut led
Mahogany
$1,039Sale Price|20% Off
H 5.5 in W 9.25 in D 5 in
Antique English Inlaid Mahogany Tea Caddy, circa 1790
Located in Bath, GB
A very handsome George III tea caddy, made from Mahogany and beautifully inlaid with panels and
Mahogany
$2,296Sale Price|20% Off
H 6 in W 9.75 in D 6 in
English Hand-Painted Regency Mahogany Tea Caddy c.1820
Located in Bath, GB
A really magnificent and pretty Regency tea caddy, the splendid shape having been beautifully
Wood
$1,618
H 5.25 in W 9.5 in D 5 in
George II Period Mahogany Tea Caddy, England, Circa 1730, Brass Handle
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An 18th Century, George II Period, Mahogany Rectangular Tea Caddy Having Original Brass Swan Neck
Mahogany
$2,850
H 5.5 in W 8.25 in D 4.5 in
George III Mahogany Tea Caddy with Conch Shell and Compass Rose Inlays
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
George III mahogany double chamber tea caddy raised on tapered block feet. The front is inlaid with
Wood
Rare English Mahogany Tea Caddy - Form of Chest of Drawers c.1880
Located in Bath, GB
A very handsome and rare large Victorian tea caddy created in the form of a chest of drawers. Made
Wood
$2,250
H 5 in W 7.38 in D 4.38 in
George III Mahogany Tea Caddy with Cut Corners and Two Conch Shell Inlays
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
George III mahogany double tea caddy of rectangular form with cut corners and boxwood string inlay
Wood
19th Century English Regency Tea Caddy
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A mahogany tea caddy . It has an interesting shape.
Brass
$390
H 7.5 in W 13 in D 6.3 in
Mahogany Tea Caddy Wooden Casket Box w Antique Glass Empire early 19th century
Located in Sweden, SE
Rectangular shape mahogany veneered casket made in first half of 19th century presumably in Europe
Glass, Cut Glass, Mahogany
Georgian Tea Caddy
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very nice early English Mahogany Tea Caddy. The etched crystal glass mixing bowl is of very good
Mahogany
English Regency Sarcophagus-Form Tea Caddy
Located in Bradenton, FL
English Regency Mahogany Tea Caddy. Tea Caddy is in the sarcophagus form with hinged lid concealing
Mahogany
English Regency Sarcophagus Shaped Tea Caddy
Located in Bradenton, FL
Early 19th Century Sarcophagus Shaped Mahogany Tea Caddy. Caddy is shaped box-like with a
Mahogany
Georgian Mahogany 18th Century Tea Caddy, circa 1780
Located in Incline Village, NV
Nice mellow patina on this 18th century English mahogany tea caddy with three interior compartments
Wood
$1,850
H 6.63 in W 10.13 in D 6.25 in
Antique English Georgian Style Inlaid Mahogany Bombe Shaped Tea Caddy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Georgian style mahogany tea caddy. Of bombé form with fruit wood inlay, gilt
Brass
Regency Mahogany Miniature Sideboard Tea Caddy
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A charming and rare early 19th Century Regency Period mahogany tea caddy, in the form of a
Mahogany
Regency Mahogany Sarcophagus form Tea Caddy
Located in Huntington, NY
Regency Mahogany sarcophagus form tea caddy. With Brass keyhole escutcheon.
Brass
18th Century Star Inlaid Mahogany Georgian Tea Caddy
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Very Good Quality Georgian 18th Century Mahogany Rectangular Tea Caddy, Of Good Colour And Patina
Mahogany
Pretty antique Victorian mahogany conch shell inlaid tea caddy
Located in Ipswich, GB
Pretty antique Victorian mahogany conch shell inlaid tea caddy, having a quality antique Victorian
Mahogany
Antique Regency Quality Mahogany Inlaid Tea Caddy
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Regency quality mahogany inlaid tea caddy having inlaid satinwood stringing, original
Other
Large 19th Century English Mahogany Sarcophagus Form Tea Caddy
Located in Atlanta, GA
England, circa 1880. A large sarcophagus form tea caddy box in mahogany. Resting on four bun feet
Crystal
19th Century, English Mahogany & Brass Footed Divided Tea Caddy
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant English tea caddy is crafted from rich mahogany, showcasing the warm tones and fine
Brass
Large Regency Tea Caddy
Located in Tampa, FL
A rather large and wonderful mahogany regency tea caddy. It is trimmed out with an inlay and an
Mahogany
18th Century Tea Caddy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
strong mahogany wood. Clamped together by metal hardware. There was once a key to lock the tea caddy, but
Mahogany
$1,347
H 4.75 in W 7.5 in D 4.25 in
Georgian Mahogany Inlaid Tea Caddy, England, Circa 1790, Antique Box
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A very attractive and good quality late 18th century Georgian mahogany oblong tea caddy, retaining
Mahogany
Chippendale Tea Caddy, c1770
Located in valatie, NY
Chippendale tea caddy, c1770, burl veneered mahogany paneled front and sides with cross banded
Brass
Mid 19th Century Antique Tea Caddy in Mahogany c1840
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : 19th century antique tea caddy c1840 Period : Victoria Origin : England Decoration
Wood
$884
H 6 in W 9 in D 6 in
Antique English Mahogany Georgian Double Tea Caddy attrib Gillows 18th Century
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Dublin, Ireland
A Superb Example of an English Georgian Period Well figured Mahogany Double Interior Section Tea
Mahogany
$571
H 4.5 in W 5.5 in D 4 in
Antique English Mahogany Wooden Georgian Regency Double Tea Caddy 18h Century
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Impressive English Georgian Period Conch Shell Flame Grain Mahogany Single Teacaddy of outstanding
Mahogany, Satinwood
19th Century, English Regency Tea Caddy
Located in San Marino, CA
A 19th century mahogany English Regency tea caddy with silver markings of a family crest, griffon
Mahogany
18th/19th Century English Regency Plum Pudding Mahogany Inlaid Tea Caddy
Located in Forney, TX
A fine quality Regency Era / Georgian Period tea caddy set in sumptuous plum-pudding mahogany
Velvet, Cut Glass, Boxwood, Mahogany, Satinwood
Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Santa Rosa, CA
Beautiful antique mahogany tea caddy with lock but and two tea caddies but no mixing bowl
Mahogany
#8011 Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in New York, NY
Georgian 1820's Brass Footed Ebony-Edged Mahogany Tea Caddy.
Brass
#12671 Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in New York, NY
Mahogany Tea Caddy with Original Fittings and Crystal Glass. Original Key.
Crystal, Brass
Regency Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Port Chester, NY
A splendid sarcophagus shaped mahogany tea caddy with charming reeded detail on top, circa 1820
Mahogany
Early Georgian Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Port Chester, NY
A splendid early mahogany tea caddy on charming shaped feet, circa 1770. Good color and patina and
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century mahogany tea caddy. Of shaped rectangular form. The hinged cover opening to
Mahogany
18th Century Mahogany Tea Caddy with Inlaid Top
Located in Woodbury, CT
18th century mahogany tea caddy with paterae inlaid top having fan corners and checker banded top
Mahogany
18th Century Mahogany Tea Caddy with Feathered Inlay
Located in Atlanta, GA
18th Century Mahogany Tea Caddy, with original interiors and Ivory pulls. Feathered inlay is
Brass
Portable Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Although not brass bound, it is likely that this Georgian Tea Caddy was made with travel in mind
Mahogany
A mahogany tea caddy
Located in New York, NY
The rectangular box with mother-of-pearl escutcheon
19th Century Regency Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
Decorative mahogany Regency tea caddy with a small brass handle on top. The tea caddy is on bracket
Mahogany
18th Century George III Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Alexandria, VA
Fine English Chippendale bombe-form tea chest in beautifully figured mahogany veneer over deal, the
Mahogany
English Edwardian Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Pasadena, CA
Brass bound with the original handle and interior. Very pretty patinated mahogany in excellent
Mahogany
Rare English Mahogany Tea Caddy – Mid 19th Century
Located in HÉRIC, FR
An antique tea chest, a treasured possession in the early Victorian era. This locked mahogany box
Mahogany
Flame Mahoagany Inlaid Tea Caddy
Located in Middleburg, VA
ENGLISH FLAME MAHOGANY TEA CADDY INLAID WITH SATINWOOD AROUND THE EDGES. THE TOP OPENS TO REVEAL
Wood
Antique Lyre Shaped Tea Caddy, 19th Century
Located in Northampton, United Kingdom
Unusual mahogany tea caddy in the form of a lyre with pewter strings. The plinth base has a secret
Wood
18th Century Chippendale Community Chest.
Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, GB
An 18th century Chippendale mahogany tea caddy shaped community chest. The chest has three locks
Mahogany
Country Fruitwood Tea Caddy, Mahogany Inlay
Located in Port Chester, NY
A sweet fruitwood tea caddy or decorative box, inlayed with light mahogany. No key.
Fruitwood, Mahogany
Late 18th Century Mahogany Georgian Tea Caddy
Located in Toronto, ON
English tea caddy made of inlaid mahogany from the Gerogian-era, featuring inlaid georgian motif on
Zinc
Georgian Oak and Mahogany Crossbanded Tea Caddy
Located in Port Chester, NY
A beautiful Georgian tea caddy with original lock and key. Two compartments inside with traces of
Mahogany, Oak
Large Double Tea Caddy in Mahogany, Satinwood Stringing
Located in Port Chester, NY
An early double tea caddy with satinwood inlay around the top and brass lions head handles on
Brass
18th Century 1760 Mahogany Triple Section Tea Caddy
Located in Windsor, Berkshire
A 18th century 1760 mahogany triple section tea caddy, it has a working lock and key, it has its
Mahogany
Unavailable
H 4.75 in W 6.75 in D 4 in
Country Oak and Mahogany Late Georgian Tea Caddy, TEA in Satinwood
Located in Port Chester, NY
A small splendid Georgian tea caddy with TEA inlaid in satinwood. Both the oak box and the inlaid
Mahogany, Oak
18th Century George III Tea Caddy in Mahogany
Located in Alexandria, VA
Large Georgian Tea Chest in nicely figured mahogany; rectangular with quarter column corners
Mahogany
George III Mahogany Inlaid Tea Caddy on Bun Feet
Located in Salisbury, GB
George III mahogany inlaid tea caddy on bun feet. (Provenance - from the estate of the late Lady
Mahogany
English Regency Tea Caddy
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Rich mahogany with fine brass inlay and embellishments. The caddy retains its two original
Brass
Unavailable
H 7.88 in W 9.45 in D 5.12 in
18th Century 1770 Bombe Fronted Mahogany Twin Lidded Tea Caddy
Located in Windsor, Berkshire
A 18th century 1770 bombe fronted mahogany twin lidded tea caddy, it has it’s original brass feet
Mahogany
Unavailable
H 4.73 in W 7.88 in D 5.12 in
George III Flamed Mahogany Canted Side Tea Caddy, circa 1810
Located in London, Greenwich
A charming and unusual George III canted side tea caddy. Hand made from flamed mahogany with yew
Mahogany
18th Century George III Tea Caddy in Mahogany with Hidden Drawer
Located in Alexandria, VA
George III tea caddy in mahogany with a hidden drawer, rectangular with stepped top surmounted by
Mahogany
19th Century English Inlaid Tea Caddy
Located in Salt Lake City, UT
A 19th century English mahogany triple compartment tea caddy. The lid and front panels have an oval
Brass
Chippendale Period Three Compartment Tea Caddy
Located in Folkestone, Kent
A good Chippendale period mahogany three compartment tea caddy, the raised top with concave edge
Mahogany
Unavailable
H 5.12 in W 8.08 in D 4.73 in
George III 1810 Harewood moth inlaid mahogany octagonal twin lidded tea caddy
Located in Windsor, Berkshire
A George III 1810 Harewood moth inlaid mahogany octagonal twin lidded tea caddy, it is boxwood and
Mahogany
Unavailable
H 5.12 in W 10.63 in D 0.04 in
Mahogany 3 Portioned Satinwood Inlaid Tea Caddy, circa 1850
Located in Lincoln, GB
Period tea caddy Measures: Height 13cm, width 27cm A beautiful period tea caddy with cross
Mahogany, Satinwood
Georgian Mahogany Twin Lidded Caddy
Located in Windsor, Berkshire
Georgian mahogany twin lidded caddy. The tea caddy is mahogany, it is cross banded in fiddleback
Mahogany
Antique English Rosewood Tea Caddy, circa 1820
By S. Mordan & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amazing antique rosewood tea caddy with original stand. Bone handles, velvet lining, brass lock
Brass
Rare Hepplewhite Tea Caddy with Bow Front Form
Located in Stamford, CT
Rare bow-front form Hepplewhite tea caddy with elaborate line inlay. The cover is inlaid with oval
Mahogany
Regency Sarcophagus Form Tea Caddy, England, circa 1815
Located in Alexandria, VA
This neoclassic tea caddy's design was inspired by the sarcophaguses found in excavations in Greece
Mahogany
Miniature Regency Sideboard Brass Inlaid Tea Caddy
Located in Shakespeare, ON
Gleaming carved mahogany wood tea caddy with decorative inlay and four claw-footed brass feet
Brass
Unavailable
H 5.5 in W 14 in D 8.5 in
Rare Georgian Sterling Silver Gilt Mounted Tea Caddy Sugar Bowl Tongs Service
Located in Northampton, United Kingdom
A extremely rare mahogany-cased sterling silver gilt mounted glass tea service by London
Mahogany
Unavailable
H 46 in W 41.5 in D 21 in
Regency Mahogany Bowfront Chest of Drawers, Tea Caddy Top, Original Feet
Located in Port Chester, NY
A handsome early bowfront chest of drawers with spiral carved corner columns. The glowing mahogany
Mahogany
MAHOGANY TEA CADDY
Located in New York, NY
Mahogany tea caddy with lovely crossbanding detail, two compartments for tea and one center bowl
George III Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Huntington, NY
George III mahogany tea caddy,with shell & bird marquetry inlay.
Mahogany
English Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in San Marino, CA
A mid-19th Century mahogany tea caddy, in a warm dark finish. Sections of the inside of this
Mahogany
Georgian Inlaid Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in San Francisco, CA
A large George III mahogany tea caddy strung with satinwood and ebony, the faceted top covering a
Mahogany
18th Century Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Martlesham, GB
18th century mahogany tea caddy in the Chippendale style, having the original brass swan neck
Mahogany
Georgian Mahogany Tea Caddy on Stand
Located in Montreal, QC
Georgian mahogany tea caddy with ebony edging and stringing, and brass bail handles, raised on
Mahogany
George III Yew Wood and Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in San Francisco, CA
George III yew wood and mahogany tea caddy.
Yew, Mahogany
19th Century Regency Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Hixson, TN
A fine English Regency mahogany tea caddy with satinwood inlay and mother of pearl. There is a
Early 19th century Regency mahogany tea caddy
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 19th century Regency mahogany tea caddy circa 1820. Made using flame mahogany veneers
Mahogany
Early 19th century Regency mahogany tea caddy
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 19th century regency mahogany tea caddy circa 1820. Made using flame mahogany veneers
Mahogany
Mahogany Tea Caddy in the Manner of Joh Channon
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
An 18th century mahogany tea caddy with brass inlaid decoration in the manner of John Channon with
Antique English Georgian Mahogany Tea Caddy, Inlaid Escutcheon, circa 1870
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique English Georgian mahogany tea caddy features interior tea compartments, central waste
Mahogany
English XVIII Octagonal Mahogany Tea Caddy with Satinwood Inlay and Brass Knob
Located in Santa Monica, CA
English 18th Century Octagonal Mahogany Tea Caddy with Satinwood Inlay and Brass Knob
Brass
Sold
H 4.25 in W 7.13 in D 4.25 in
Antique English Victorian Mahogany Tea Caddy with Silver-Plated Mounts, Ca 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Victorian Mahogany tea caddy with silver-plated mounts, Circa 1890's.
Silver Plate
19th Century Regency Style Mahogany Tea Caddy with Spoon
Located in Hixson, TN
19th century Regency style mahogany tea caddy with spoon. This tea caddy is from England and
Three Section Mahogany Tea Caddy in a Sarcophagus, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
A large three section mahogany tea caddy in a sarcophagus form that opens to reveal three tin
Sold
H 7 in W 12.44 in D 6.13 in
William IV Flame Mahogany Tea Caddy with Rosewood and Ebony, English, ca. 1830
Located in Banner Elk, NC
William IV flame mahogany tea caddy with rosewood cross-banding and ebony stringing, with a shaped
Mahogany, Rosewood, Satinwood
Antique George III Green Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
Georgian Period Circa 1790 From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this Georgian Green Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy is finished in vibrant green Tortoises...
Silver
Regency Rosewood Sarcophagus Form Tea Caddy
Located in Huntington, NY
Regency rosewood sarcophagus form Tea Caddy. With circular Brass keyhole escutcheon plate.
Brass
Handmade Victorian Burr Walnut & Inlay Tea Caddy With Brass Hinges
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Handmade Victorian Burr Walnut & Inlay Tea Caddy With Brass Hinges A tea caddy is a box, jar, canister, or other receptacle used to store tea. When first introduced to Europe ...
Brass, Zinc
19th Century English Regency Burl Walnut Tea Caddy
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful 19th century English Regency burl walnut tea caddy. Lovely shape and pretty details including decorative handles on the sides. Makes an elegant statement!
Brass
There are lots of uses for your vintage, new or antique tea caddies, but they can certainly serve their original intended purpose if needed.
When tea first gained popularity during the 1800s, and teatime became commonplace in homes all over England, it was an expensive commodity owing to excessive taxation. (This, of course, inevitably yielded a black market for tea leaves.) Tea drinkers hoarded their precious goods, which began to arrive in London ports from China during the 17th century, under lock and key. In luxury homes, tea leaves were stowed away in a decorative jar or canister called a tea caddy that was fitted with a lock, or, alternatively, the container was kept in a secured chest or storage cabinet.
Tea was thought to be not just a delicious drink but also to have medicinal benefits. The Chinese had been praising the healthy properties of tea, and wealthy Europeans were eager to discover its benefits for themselves during their ritual afternoon tea. The idea of “teatime” wasn’t a social event in upper-class British homes until the 1830s or 1840s. During Queen Victoria’s reign, small baked treats might be served with your beverage, and teakettles and coffeepots were part of tea services that could include teacups, saucers, a milk pot and other accessories.
When tea cultivation was relegated to British colonies such as India, and the British East India Company could no longer hold onto its trade monopoly with China, tea was no longer a ritual confined to the wealthy. Today, antique and vintage tea caddies are collector’s items all over the world.
Tea caddies weren’t unique to Europeans. The earliest pieces originated in China. Surviving hand-painted examples from China or elsewhere in Asia made of porcelain might feature enameled landscapes or other designs. At the Taft Museum of Art, there are striking enameled 18th-century-era tea caddies of copper that were given to the institution in 2014. Wooden tea caddies materialized over time and were seen as sturdier than their ceramic counterparts.
Today, there are all kinds of ways to use a vintage tea caddy if you’re passing on tea. They’re a welcome decorative flourish on the mantel in your living room, for example. A metal tea caddy, lined with a plastic bag, can be used to cultivate an herb garden on your kitchen windowsill. An old wooden tea caddy can help keep your paper clips or pushpins organized on your desk too. If you’re always on the go, a tea tin is good for packing earbuds, hand sanitizer, gum or whatever else that might get easily lost in a roomy crossbody messenger bag or other shoulder bag.
Teatime or not, find antique and vintage mid-century modern tea caddies, tortoiseshell caddies and more on 1stDibs.
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