Serpentine Form Regency Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
Rare serpentine form English Regency tea caddy. The base with sloping sides, the interior with two
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Tea Caddies
Tortoise Shell
Serpentine Form Regency Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
Rare serpentine form English Regency tea caddy. The base with sloping sides, the interior with two
Tortoise Shell
Georgian Burr Yew Conch Shell Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
Inlaid with Twin Conch Shells From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this
Yew
Georgian Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
Oval Tea Caddy with Silver Mounts From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this
Silver
Green Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Dallas, TX
Green tortoiseshell tea caddy from England. With two interior covers raised on four silver ball
Silver
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
English Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Dallas, TX
A lovely bow front tortoiseshell tea caddy inlaid with mother of pearl flowers and topped with a
Silver
Beautiful Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Southall, GB
A fine Regency period rectangular tea caddy, veneered in panels divided by fine metal stringing
Ivory, Tortoise Shell
$12,500
H 5.75 in W 9.25 in D 5.75 in
English Georgian Chinroserie Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy with Ball Feet, C. 1800
Located in Charleston, SC
English Georgian Chinroserie bow front tortoise shell tea caddy with a hinged tiered lid, Chinese
Foil
19th Century English Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century English Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Tortoise Shell
Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy With Sunburst Design
Located in Dallas, TX
Circa 1870, English tortoiseshell tea caddy with sunburst design. It is absolutely the finest one
Tortoise Shell
English Regency Pagoda Form Tea Caddy
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
Unusual pagoda form caddy finely figured veneers. Interior lids are original and match the exterior
Tortoise Shell
Early 19th Century English George III Tea Caddy with Shell Inlay
Located in Atlanta, GA
Early 19th Century English George III Tea Caddy with Shell Inlay
Wood
19th Century English Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century English Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Tortoise Shell
19th Century English Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century English Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Tortoise Shell
$5,850
H 5.75 in W 11.25 in D 5.5 in
Exceptional Georgian Crossbanded Satinwood Tea Caddy w/ Oval Inlaid Shell Panels
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A fine tea chest or tea caddy in satinwood with crossbanded edges on the lid and all four sides
Satinwood
Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy, England 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy, England 19th Century
Tortoise Shell
$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 Regency Architectural Pressed Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
Pressed Tortoiseshell Design From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this Regency
Shell
Antique English Georgian Blonde Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
Faced In Boxwood From our Tea Caddy collection, we are thrilled to offer this Antique Blonde
Silver Plate
English 19th Century Domed Top Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Atlanta, GA
English 19th Century Domed Top Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy with Silver Inlay and Ball feet
Tortoise Shell
$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
Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy With Inlaid Mother Of Pearl
Located in Dallas, TX
Tortoiseshell tea caddy with inlaid mother of pearl from England. Metal lined under two lids
Tortoise Shell, Mother-of-Pearl
$395
H 0.38 in W 1.37 in L 3.15 in
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Figural Shell Tea Caddy Spoon
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
shell bowl and a wide tab handle. Fully marked to the reverse. Simply a wonderful Tiffany tea caddy
Sterling Silver
English Tortoiseshell Pagoda Form Tea Caddy, Early 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
English Tortoiseshell Pagoda Form Tea Caddy, Early 19th Century
Tortoise Shell
$5,250 / set
H 6 in W 7 in D 5 in
19th Century English Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy with Silver & Bone Details
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century English Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy with Silver & Bone Details
Tortoise Shell
Antique Anglo Indian Tortoise Tea Caddy Box
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and remarkable Anglo Indian box turtle tea caddy, the well marked upper shell hollowed and
Bone, Wood, Ebony, Mahogany, Rosewood
Regency Tortoiseshell and Mother of Pearl Serpentine Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
Featuring Alternating Panels From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this fine
Tortoise Shell, Mother-of-Pearl
$595 / set
H 0.75 in W 2.5 in D 1.75 in
Pair 1893 English Sterling Silver Shell-Form Tea Caddy Spoons, Shell Feet
By Francis Howard 1
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of English Sterling Silver Shell-Form Tea Caddy Spoons with Shell Feet, Francis Howard
Sterling Silver
$756 / item
H 6.7 in W 11.82 in D 5.12 in
Large Vintage Tea Caddy Box Conch Shell Art & Craft Flower Chicken Hand Painting
Located in Wembley, GB
Vintage wooden Tea Caddy Box Conch Shell Oriental Flower and Chicken Hand Painting Impressive
Metal, Brass
Antique Anglo Indian Tortoise Tea Caddy Box
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and remarkable Anglo Indian box turtle tea caddy, the well marked upper shell hollowed and
Organic Material, Wood, Ebony, Mahogany, Rosewood
$750
H 3.38 in W 1.88 in D 0.5 in
Rococo Style Repousse Silver Plate Tea Caddy Spoon, U.K., Mid-19th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Antique Rococo style silver plate tea caddy spoon - featuring repousse shell shaped decoration with
Silver Plate
19th Century French School Still Life Painting
Located in Winter Park, FL
chain. In the background is a tall pewter candlestick, a tortoise shell tea caddy with small key, and
Canvas, Giltwood, Paint
Tortoise shell tea caddy
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Tortoise shell tea caddy with ivory feet. Red velvet lined top. Circa 1830
Georgian Conch Shell Inlaid Octagonal Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, United Kingdom
Antique Octagonal tea caddy with conch shell inlay to the top, with chequered edging with satinwood
Wood
Tortoise Shell 19th Century English Tea Caddy with Brass Feet
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century, Blonde color, English tea caddy with original lids small repaint on top right corner
Tortoise Shell
Regency Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, United Kingdom
Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy with pagoda top, serpentine front, silver stringing and escutcheon
Bone, Tortoise Shell
Antique Satinwood Conch Shell Double Tea Caddy, 18th Century
Located in Northampton, United Kingdom
Satinwood tea caddy with superb inlaid conch shells to the front and top with shaped bone key
Satinwood
19th Century Satinwood Tea Caddy with Conch Shell Inlay
Located in Woodbury, CT
Regency satinwood tea caddy with conch shell inlay. Featuring a satinwood box with oval inlay top
Satinwood
Unavailable
H 5.25 in W 6.5 in D 4.25 in
Antique Tortoise Shell Inlay Tea Caddy, 2 Well - Tortoiseshell
Located in South Coast, CA
Mid-1800s, perhaps earlier, the breathtaking old early Victorian tortoise shell tea caddy you see
Wood, Ivory, Mother-of-Pearl
Georgian Antique Burr Yew Conch Shell Tea Caddy, 18th Century
Located in Northampton, United Kingdom
Antique burr yew tea caddy with an inlaid conch shell to the top, a bird surrounded by oak leaves
Yew
19th C. English Regency tea caddy
Located in Summerland, CA
Regency Tortoiseshell & Ivory Tea Caddy, circa 1815 An elegant octagonal English Regency tea caddy
Shell
Large Antique Victorian Tortoise Shell 7" Double Well Tea Caddy
Located in South Coast, CA
Mid-1800s, perhaps earlier, the fabulous old early Victorian faux tortoise shell tea caddy you see
Antique Satinwood Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, United Kingdom
Satinwood tea caddy with superb inlaid conch shells to the front and top with shaped bone key
Satinwood
Unavailable
H 4.5 in W 4.75 in D 3.75 in
Harewood Antique Single Wooden Tea Caddy with Conch Shells, 18th Century
Located in Northampton, United Kingdom
Antique Harewood tea caddy with inlaid conch shells on the front and top and bone escutcheon
Harewood
Antique Satinwood Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, United Kingdom
Georgian satinwood tea caddy with conch shells on the front and top, with fluted cants and diamond
Bone, Satinwood
Unavailable
H 5.13 in W 7.5 in D 4.5 in
English Georgian Double Tea Caddy with Boxwood Shell and Column Inlays
Located in Wells, ME
English Georgian double tea caddy in satinwood with oval panels inlaid with shaded boxwood shells
Satinwood
Unavailable
H 4.85 in W 7.49 in D 4.73 in
18th Century Sheraton 1790 Octagonal Shell Inlaid Twin Lidded Tea Caddy
Located in Windsor, Berkshire
A 18th century Sheraton 1790 octagonal shell inlaid twin lidded tea caddy, it’s Satinwood, it has
Satinwood
Japanese Tea Caddy Box With Painted Porcelain Tea Canisters
Located in Santa Rosa, CA
Beautiful all original Nagasaki Lacquered box with porcelian inserts
Shell, Mother-of-Pearl, Porcelain
Rare Antique Red Tortoiseshell and Silver Oval Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, United Kingdom
Very rare, striking red tortoiseshell and silver oval tea caddy with beautifully engraved solid
Silver
Early 19th Century Regency Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy on Paw Feet
Located in Summerland, CA
Good tortoiseshell color & patterning ( strong mottling and radiating veneer). Original paw feet Original interior lids with bone knobs (one replaced) Cartouche intact Condition – ...
Shell
Unavailable
H 5.91 in W 7.49 in D 4.73 in
Fine Regency George IV Period Tortoiseshell & Mother of Pearl Inlaid Tea Caddy
Located in Bradford on Avon, GB
The top is crisply inlaid with floral mother of pearl patterns and sterling silver borders. The tea
Tortoise Shell, Mother-of-Pearl
Miniature Boulle Work Caddy
Located in Newcastle Upon Tyne, GB
A 19th century miniature boulle work box in the shape of a sarcophagus tea caddy. The wood box
Brass
Unavailable
H 6.5 in W 7.38 in D 5.25 in
Fine Regency period tortoise-shell bow-fronted double tea-caddy
Located in Cambridge, GB
Fine Regency period tortoise-shell bow-fronted double tea-caddy; veneered with richly mottled shell
Tortoise Shell
Regency Starburst Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, United Kingdom
Stunning Regency starburst pressed bow fronted Tortoiseshell tea caddy, with silver initial plate
Silver
Unavailable
H 7 in W 7 in D 17 in
Kate Noakes, 'Sea Shell' Tea Caddy veneered with metal inlaid with gesso
By Kate Noakes
Located in Newmarket, GB
A Victorian wooden tea caddy that has been reconditioned and reimagined by British designer and
Metal, Sheet Metal
English 19th Century Rosewood Tea Caddy
Located in Santa Monica, CA
English 19th century rosewood tea-caddy, shell inlay and ivory embellishment.
Ivory, Rosewood
Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy
Located in Dallas, TX
a large tea caddy covered in tortoise with ivory as edging on box top and underside of lid, inset
Brass
Regency Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy
Located in San Francisco, CA
An attractive Regency period tortoise shell tea caddy the top inlaid with a silver central piece
Tortoise Shell
George III Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy
Located in Dallas, TX
a tea caddy with block front made of tortoise shell with silver trim, ivory feet and knobs
Silver, Foil
William IV Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
A William IV tortoiseshell and ivory veneered tea caddy, circa 1840. Octagonal shape, the lid with
Tortoise Shell
English Regency Green Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy
Located in Bradenton, FL
Very rare English Regency green turtle shell tea caddy, 19th century. Rare dome shaped green
Shell
19th Century English Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy. Caddy is rectangular in shape and opens to a divided
Tortoise Shell
Regency Coconut Shell Tea Caddy
Located in New York, NY
Lined with foil paper and mounted with brass feet and finial; the brass hinge added at a late date.
Brass
19th C. English Regency Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 19th c. English Regency Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy with Mother of Pearl Inlay and Ivory Bun
Tortoise Shell, Ivory, Mother-of-Pearl
19th Century English Bone Inlaid Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy
Located in Richmond, VA
Great 19th century English bone inlaid tortoise shell tea caddy with painted interior and metal
Tortoise Shell
English Regency Inlaid Shell Double Tea Caddy, 19th Century
Located in Bradenton, FL
English Regency silver inlaid turtle shell double tea caddy, 19th century. English Regency
Tortoise Shell
Tortoise Tea Caddy
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautifully shaped tortoise tea caddy with nice color.
Tortoise Shell
Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A fine early 19th century tortoiseshell and Silver mounted caddy, it even retains the original
Tortoise Shell
Antique English Faux Tortoise Shell Regency Style Tea Caddy Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
The object depicted is a fine English faux tortoiseshell tea caddy, dating to the first quarter of
Shell
English Regency Style Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy with Original Interior
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This fine English tea caddy dates to circa 1850. Is clad by brass stringed tortoise shell panels on
Brass
French Boule Tea Caddy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Red tortoise-shell, tea-caddy with intricate, bronze inlay.
Bronze
Georgian Antique Tea Caddy with Shell Inlay c1810
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : Georgian antique tea caddy with shell inlay Date : c1810 Period : George III Origin
Wood
English Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in San Francisco, CA
An English tortoiseshell, ivory banded and metal strung tea caddy.
Tortoise Shell, Ivory
Sold
H 5.25 in W 7.5 in L 5.25 in
English Regency Silver Inlaid Tortoise Shell Double Tea Caddy, 19th Century
Located in Bradenton, FL
English Regency silver inlaid turtle shell double tea caddy, 19th century. English Regency block
Tortoise Shell
Sold
H 3.25 in W 4.5 in D 3 in
Diminutive English Tea Caddy of Tortoise Shell with Sterling Silver Mounts
Located in Charleston, SC
Diminutive English tea caddy of tortoiseshell with sterling silver mounts. Tea container has
Tortoise Shell
Immaculate Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Tampa, FL
An immaculate and elegant survivor from 18th century England, this exceptional tortoiseshell tea
Silver, Bronze
Early 19th Century English Regency Tortoise Shell Shaped Front Tea Caddy
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
A fine English regency silver stringed tortoise shell tea caddy with architecturally shaped front
Silver, Brass
18th Century English Tea Caddy with Shell Marquetry Inlay
Located in Atlanta, GA
18th Century English Tea Caddy with Shell Marquetry Inlay
Wood
Sold
H 3.25 in W 4 in L 3.25 in
19th Century English Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy with Bone Feet and Interior
Located in Richmond, VA
19th century English tortoise shell tea caddy with bone feet and interior.
Bone, Tortoise Shell
English House Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rare tortoiseshell tea caddy in the shape of a house, inlaid with etched bone. The top is hollow
Tortoise Shell, Bone
Inlaid Tea Caddy
Located in Dallas, TX
A rectangular tea caddy with inlays of shell on top and flowers on the front.
Wood
19th Century Boulle Tea Caddy
Located in New Orleans, LA
19th century boulle tea caddy.
Bronze
Sold
H 5 in W 8 in D 5 in
English Regency Mother of Pearl, Abalone, and Tortoise Shell Double Tea Caddy
Located in Bradenton, FL
English Regency Mother of Pearl, Abalone, and Tortoise Shell Double Tea Caddy. With ivory veneered
Tortoise Shell, Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl
Regency period Tortoiseshell tea caddy
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A rare and impressive Regency period Gothic influenced Tortoiseshell tea caddy, having wonderful
Tortoise Shell
Sold
H 6 in W 8 in D 5 in
Antique English Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy with Inlaid Mother of Pearl circa 1870s
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English tortoise shell tea caddy with inlaid mother of pearl, Circa 1870-1880.
Tortoise Shell
George III Bone Stringed Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy on Brass Ball Feet
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Resting on four brass ball feet this fine Georgian tea caddy features book matched tortoise shell
Brass, Zinc
Sold
H 4 in W 3.5 in D 3.25 in
English Georgian Tortoise Shell & Silver Mount Hinged Tea Caddy with Key, 1770
Located in Charleston, SC
English Georgian tortoise shell and silver foliage mounted hinged tea caddy with exterior silver
Sterling Silver, Foil
19th Century Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Dallas, TX
Wonderful tortoiseshell Serpentine front Tea Caddy. Each section divided with pewter stringing
Tortoise Shell
Shapely English Georgian Octagonal Lidded Tea Caddy with Shell Inlay
Located in San Francisco, CA
A shapely English Georgian octagonal lidded tea caddy with shell inlay; the octagonal lid centering
Large Georgian Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A good quality Georgian 18th century mahogany rectangular tea caddy having replacement brass axe drop handle to hinged lid enclosing cavity with attractive inlaid decoration througho...
Mahogany
Murano Hand Blown Chartreuse Green Glass Chandelier, in stock
Located in Miami, FL
Murano hand blown studio glass chandelier, in stock All different shaped chartreuse green discs with white details, rigadin technique Brass plated structure with 24 exposed brass reg...
Brass
Pair of French Wrought Iron Martini Tables
Located in London, GB
Wrought iron martini tables, hand made in England inspired by an original 1940s French design. Finished with a natural bronze patina as standard. Can also be supplied in black or gi...
Iron
Neoclassical Wrought Iron & Bronze Bench, France 1950's
By Alberto Giacometti
Located in New York, NY
Elegant bench in patinated wrought iron and bronze. The sabots are reminiscent of Giacometti's work for Jean-Michel Frank. 3 benches are available; the price is for one.
Bronze, Wrought Iron
$1,112Sale Price|20% Off
H 10 in Dm 4.75 in
Chinese Qing Blue and White Porcelain Vase with Foo Dogs and Double Happiness
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A Qing Chinese porcelain vase with baluster-form, hand-painted with cobalt blue decoration of "shuang-xi" or "double happiness" symbol representing happiness in marriage, amid contin...
Porcelain
$34,954
H 6.3 in W 15.75 in D 5.91 in
Fossilised Skull of Prehistoric Marine Reptile the Mosasaur, 70Million Years Ago
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Upper Cretaceous, about 70-65 million years ago (Maastrichtian) Morocco The skull is reconstructed in good proportions with fossil pieces found in a phosphate mine in Morocco. I att...
Bone
Marble Scalloped Sink Basin
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
Classical Italian scalloped sink basin cut from one single block of Carrara marble. Custom sizes available
Marble
Celestial Table Globe by Harris and Son
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A 12 inch celestial table globe by Harris and Son, the horizon ring, with the original papers, set on four turned mahogany legs, the label stating ‘Improved celestial globe, the star...
Mahogany
$4,200
H 36 in W 37 in D 21 in
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Oversized Bergere Marquise Armchair
Located in Charleston, SC
19th century French Louis XVI style bergère marquise upholstered armchair in painted wood frame with neoclassical architecture embellished hand-carved foliates, rosettes and tapered ...
Fabric, Wood, Paint
French Inspired Upholstered Linen Bergère Chairs
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
French inspired upholstered linen bergère chairs These French inspired chair are based on an original Napoleon III style pair of chairs. Napoleon III was the nephew of the Napoleon t...
Linen
$7,976
H 12.2 in W 15.7 in
17th Century Classical Oil Painting - Diana With Her Attendants in a Grotto
By Abraham van Cuylenborch
Located in London, GB
Abraham van CUYLENBROCH (1620-1658) Diana With Her Attendants in a Grotto 1651 signed oil on panel 12.2 in x 15.7 inches, inc. frame; 31 x 40 cm Provenance: Sale of Sotheby's Lo...
Oil
$2,800
H 3.25 in W 10 in D 7 in
Faux Tortoise Shell British Cigar or Trinket Box W/Ivory Framing & Original Key
Located in Larkspur, CA
Faux tortoise shell British cigar or trinket box w/ivory framing & original key.
Tortoise Shell
George III Mahogany Breakfront Bureau Bookcase
Located in Huntington, NY
This exceptional George III Mahogany Breakfront Bureau Bookcase with Glazed Doors, has wonderful flame & crotch grain Mahogany. Comprised of a large central cabinet, flanked by 2 sma...
Brass
Antique English Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy
Located in New Orleans, LA
A beautiful tea caddy. The tortorise shell color is perfection.
Tortoise Shell
Liceu de Artes e Ofícios. 19th Century Daybed
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This recamier/daybed was conceived and executed with utmost quality and expertise, showing a style that incorporates many influences from the eigtheenth and ninetheenth century. Made...
Wood
19th Century Bohemian Crystal Jewelry Box
Located in Paris, FR
Small Bohemian yellow crystal jewelry box decorated with hunting scenes of deer, birds and greyhounds in nature, all engraved in transparent crystal. The underside is decorated with ...
Crystal, 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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