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Tea Caddies For Sale
Regency Burr Yew Tea Caddy
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Delightful Early 19th Century, Regency Period, Burr Yew Wood Tea Caddy Of Sarcophagus Form Having Boxwood Strung Decoration, Original Ormolu Handles To Side...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Yew
A 19th Century Victorian Walnut Veneer Parquetry Tea Caddy With Brass Handle
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A 19th Century English Victorian Ebonised Walnut Veneer Tea Caddy With Brass Handle & Lead Lining
A Charming tea caddy with decorative walnut veneer parquetry.
A tea caddy is a b...
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Brass
Georgian Mahogany & Inlaid Tea Caddy
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A very attractive and good quality late 18th century Georgian mahogany oblong tea caddy, retaining good colour and patina, having attractive inlaid decoration to front and hinged lid, enclosing double sectioned interior with lids.
Tea was a precious commodity throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and the purpose of a tea caddy was not just to preserve the and extend the life of the precious tea leaves...
Category
Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Mahogany
Antique English George III Tortoiseshell and Silver Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
Small oval tortoiseshell Tea Caddy with applied pressed silver with a rippled design. The front has an ornate silver escutcheon. The tortoiseshell & silver tea caddy interior contains most of its original tin lining with a rippled silver surround incorporating the hinge, and a single floating tortoiseshell lid with silver ball handle which rests on the tea to keep it fresh.
This delightful little oval tea caddy...
Category
Early 19th Century British Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Silver
Tea Box Designed by Jacques Jongert – Circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, ES
Tea Box Designed by Jacques Jongert – Circa 1930, "De Stijl" Design for Van Nelle, Netherlands
This iconic tea box, designed by Jacques Jongert in the 1930s, embodies the essence of...
Category
1930s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tea Caddies
Materials
Metal
Leeds pearlware shaped creamware tea caddy, c. 1780
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Antique Bombay shaped English pearlware tea caddy with a distinctive decoration in blue cobalt. The caddy is hand decorated with flower pendants draped from rings painted from a cont...
Category
Late 18th Century British Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Earthenware, Wood
Decorative Large Round Brass Box Caddy 19th C, North India
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful 19th century large hand-crafted decorative round polished brass box with lid delicately and intricately hand-hammered with repousse floral...
Category
19th Century Indian Agra Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Hand-Painted Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in High Point, NC
Early 19th century mahogany single tea caddy from England. This wonderful box is octagonal in shape and has been newly hand painted to resemble a Georgia house. It is delightful, n...
Category
Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Mahogany
Victorian Decorative Brass Bound Burr Walnut Domed Tea Caddy Chest With Key
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A 19th Century Victorian Decorative Brass Bound Burr Walnut Domed Tea Caddy Chest
Features Two Caddy Compartments Which Feature Domed Wooden Lids & Each Has A Circular Brass Button...
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Brass
Antique American Edwardian Classical Sterling Silver Tea Caddy
Located in New York, NY
American Edwardian Classical sterling silver tea caddy, ca 1910. Ovoid ginger-jar bowl with short neck and bellied cover. Three chased leafing-scroll frames of which 2 vacant and 1 e...
Category
Early 20th Century American Edwardian Tea Caddies
Materials
Sterling Silver
Regency Rosewood Sarcophagus Tea Caddy
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Very Attractive Late Regency Period Rosewood Tea Caddy, Of Elegant Sarcophagus Form, Having Domed Lid With Mother Of Pearl Inlaid Decoration, Enclosing Two Lidded Divisions, Raised...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Rosewood
George III English Inlaid Mahogany Tea Caddy, circa 1820
Located in Bath, GB
A stunning and most unusual Georgian tea caddy made from mahogany and inlaid with four oval satinwood panels.
Another unusual feature is the fine Greek Key inlay to both the the lid and top.
The interior has two lidded compartments later covered in paper which can be seen in the photographs.
The front houses the tasselled key (unfortunately not working but the perfect finishing touch).
A really delightful antique caddy...
Category
1810s English George III Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Wood
Georgian 18th Century Rosewood Square Tea Caddy
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An attractive and well figured, late 18th century
Square rosewood tea caddy having boxwood
Stringing and key escutcheon with original brass
Hinges to...
Category
Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Rosewood
Early 19th Century English Regency Rosewood Mother-of-pearl Tea Caddy
Located in Forney, TX
An elegant fine quality English Regency period tea caddy. Circa 1815
Born in the early 19th century, exquisitely hand-crafted from the finest exotic rosewood, rectangular sarcopha...
Category
Early 19th Century Regency Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
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 landscape mother of pearl inlays with flanking pagodas, fences, & foliage trees, central paktong plaque and escutcheon, bone fitted interior border with two lidded tortoiseshell foil lined compartments, and resting on the original four bone ball...
Category
Early 1800s English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Foil
Georgian Yew Tea Caddy With Floral Inlaid Decoration
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Fine Quality George III Period, Late 18th Century, Yew Wood Tea Caddy Of Octagonal Form, Having Lift Up Lid Enclosing Two Divisions And Exceptional Floral Inlaid Deocration To Oval...
Category
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Yew
19th Century Silver Plate Mounted Oak Double Chamber Tea Caddy
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Nineteenth century silver plate mounted oak double chamber tea caddy. The rectangular body with silver plate straps and side handles raised on ball feet and with an engraved, hinged ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Silver Plate
18th Century Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A late 18th century, Georgian, Mahogany tea caddy having extremely attractive inlaid conch shells, banded and strung decoration, with hinged lid enclosing lidded interior retaining partial paper foil lining.
This particular caddy is relatively plain and simple in design, but the attractive inlaid decoration lifts it significantly.
The condition remains relatively good and clearly it has been well loved throughout its life.
Tea was a precious commodity throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and the purpose of a tea caddy was not just to preserve the and extend the life of the precious tea leaves, but also to enable the owner to lock away those aforementioned valuable tea leaves, keeping them safe from the house staffs potential wandering hands.
This 18th century tea caddy...
Category
Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Mahogany
George III silver tea caddy
Located in London, GB
Classic late 18th century silver tea caddy of oblong form, and featuring delicately hand engraved bands and swags around the sides, and ...
Category
18th Century British George III Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Tea Caddy, English, Loose Leaf Canister, Mixing Glass, Regency, C.1820
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique tea caddy. An English, flame mahogany loose leaf tea container with glass mixer, dating to the Regency period, circa 1820.
Attractive Regency period caddy with fi...
Category
1820s British Regency Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Glass, Wood
Georgian Yew Tea Caddy With Floral Inlaid Decoration
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Fine Quality George III Period, Late 18th Century, Yew Wood Tea Caddy Of Octagonal Form, Having Lift Up Lid Enclosing Two Divisions And Exceptional Floral Inlaid Deocration To Oval...
Category
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Yew
Antique Regency Rosewood Sarcophagus Tea Caddy With Separate Tea Compartments
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Antique English Regency Rosewood, Sarcophagus Shaped Tea Caddy With Two Separate Tea Compartments and Individual Handled Lids, Centred on Four Bun Feet Circa 1700's
Great patina em...
Category
18th Century British Regency Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Brass
Antique Tea Caddy, English, Satinwood, Box, Mixing Glass, Regency, circa 1830
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique tea caddy. An English, rosewood and satinwood container with glass mixer, dating to the late Regency period, circa 1830.
Delightful R...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Regency Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Satinwood
Regency Penwork Tea Chest
Located in Northampton, GB
Sycamore Tea Chest Circa 1815
From our Tea Caddies collection, we are delighted to offer this Regency Penwork Tea Chest. The Chest crafted from Syca...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Sycamore
19th Century English Tunbridge Ware Marquetry Tea Caddy
Located in Forney, TX
A well-made antique, circa 1830, English tea caddy with stunning marquetry inlays, warm coloring, superb detailing, and luminous rich patina!
When tea first arrived in Europe in t...
Category
19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Brass
Stunning Late 1800s Gothic Revival Walnut & Brass Tea Caddy Box W. Great Patina
Located in Lisse, NL
A very pleasing, late 19th century, double compartment tea caddy.
This marvellous and rare tea caddy is in very good condition and the burl walnut has a truly warm, deep and rich pa...
Category
Late 19th Century English Gothic Revival Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Bronze, Brass
Antique 1912 Duncan & Scobbie Birmingham Sterling Silver Tea Canister Caddy 177g
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 1912 Birmingham sterling silver tea canister / tea caddy / snuff by Duncan & Scobbie. Oval body with footed base and lid.
Dimensions:
3.5" x 2.5" x 3.75" (Width x Depth x He...
Category
1910s Edwardian Vintage Tea Caddies
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique English Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy
Located in New Orleans, LA
A beautiful tea caddy. The tortorise shell color is perfection.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Tortoise Shell
19thC Antique Folk Art Treenware Carved Turned Wood Tea Caddy Box Handpainted
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This striking antique 19th-century treenware tea caddy is a beautiful example of folk art craftsmanship. Skillfully hand-carved and turned from wood, this charming caddy features a r...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Folk Art Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Wood
Georgian Octagonal Partridgewood Tea Caddy
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Rare Partridgewood, Late 18th Century Georgian Tea Caddy, Of Octagonal Form Having Attractive Inlaid Decoration And Hinged Lid Enclosing Two Lidded Divisions.
Partridge wood is a...
Category
Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Other
Tea jar in pewter by Edvin Ollers, forSchroeder & Olsson, Stockholm, 1931
By Edvin Ollers
Located in Hägersten, SE
Tea jar in pewter designed by Edvin Ollers. Produced by Schroeder & Olsson in Stockholm 1931. Art Deco shape and patterned lid. Good vintage condition with signs of age related wear ...
Category
1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tea Caddies
Materials
Pewter
Antique Dutch Silver Renaissance Cabinet Tea Caddy, 1907
Located in New York, NY
Dutch 833 silver tea caddy in form of Renaissance cabinet, 1907. Rectilinear and paneled with half columns and hinged top. Detachable stand with baluster supports and twisted stretch...
Category
Early 1900s Dutch Renaissance Revival Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Silver
Vintage 1940s Spanish Silver Fish Sugar Box
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive, large vintage Spanish silver sugar box realistically modelled in the form of a fish; an addition to our animal related silverware collection
This magnificent and large vintage Spanish silver box has been realistically modelled in the form of a fish.
This impressive fish shaped box has an articulated body, allowing the fish's position to be customised.
The body of this vintage sugar box is embellished with separate dorsal and pectoral fins, in addition to rows of chased scales and anatomical features.
This vintage silver fish box retains the original hinged cover/head, featuring the original large bead eyes.
Such large examples are rare to the market and becoming increasingly difficult to locate.
Condition
This silver fish shaped box is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition.
The Spanish hallmarks...
Category
1940s Spanish Vintage Tea Caddies
Materials
Silver
Georgian 18th Century Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Very Good Quality 18th century Georgian, Chippendale Period, Mahogany Tea Caddy Of Rectangular Form, Having Elegant Shaped Top Enclosing Original Tin Containers, Retaining Original...
Category
Mid-18th Century English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Mahogany
Rosewood Regency Tea Caddy Miniature Sideboard
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An Extremely Unusual And Rare 19th Century, Late Regency Period, Rosewood Tea Caddy, In The Form Of A Miniature Sideboard, Having Hinged Lid With Attractively Carved Back, Enclosing ...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Rosewood
Norwegian Solid Birch Expandable Sewing Stand Organizer Made in Norway MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Norwegian Solid Birch Expandable Sewing Stand Organizer Made in Norway MINT
Category
20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies
Materials
Birch
Georgian 18th Century Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Late 18th century Georgian Period Mahogany Oblong tea caddy having very attractive inlaid decoration to front and hinged top enclosing double lidded interior with original paper foil landing.
This particular caddy is relatively plain and simple in design, but is lifted significantly with the attractive inlaid decoration.
It remains in relatively good condition and had clearly been well loved throughout its life.
Tea was a precious commodity throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and the purpose of a tea caddy was not just to preserve the and extend the life of the precious tea leaves, but also to enable the owner to lock away those aforementioned valuable tea leaves, keeping them safe from the house staffs potential wandering hands.
This 18th century tea caddy...
Category
Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Mahogany
Chinese Large Mother of Pearl Mounted Armorial Tea Caddy for MacPherson
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare, incredible and large antique Chinese carved mother of pearl mounted tea caddy with armorial for MacPherson and dating from circa...
Category
1770s Chinese Qing Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl
19th Century French Napoleon III Boulle Marquetry Tea Caddy
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful antique Napoleon III tea box, crafted of black ebonised wood. The inlay is in Boulle style, marquetry of mother-of-pearl, brass and tortoise. The interior has tree compartm...
Category
1860s Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Brass
Georgian Mahogany & Inlaid Tea Caddy
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A very attractive and good quality late 18th century Georgian mahogany oblong tea caddy, retaining good colour and patina, having attractive inlaid decoration to front and hinged lid, enclosing double sectioned interior with lids.
Tea was a precious commodity throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and the purpose of a tea caddy was not just to preserve the and extend the life of the precious tea leaves...
Category
Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
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.
Exquisitely hand-crafted in England at the turn of the late 18th / early 19th century,...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Velvet, Cut Glass, Boxwood, Mahogany, Satinwood
Wonderful Antique English Regency Walnut & Tulipwood Tea Caddy - Floral Inlay
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous and most unusual tea caddy dating to the Regency era, around 1820.
A rare combination of woods has been used, nutty Cognac coloured Walnut and rich graphic Tulipwood.
Th...
Category
1820s British Regency Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Wood
Regency Antique 19th Century Sarcophagus Shaped Burr Elm Tea Caddy
Located in Suffolk, GB
Regency antique 19th century burr elm tea caddy having a sarcophagus shaped lip which lifts to reveal two lidded compartments with original turned knobs, standing on small bun feet.
...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Elm
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 grain of the wood, complemented by its brass-mounted footed details. Designed with fu...
Category
19th Century British Campaign Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Brass
Antique Georgian Paper Scroll Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
Framed In Boxwood
From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this exceptional Georgian Paper Scroll Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of e...
Category
Late 18th Century English George II Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Glass, Boxwood, Paper
Antique Regency Quality Mahogany Inlaid Tea Caddy
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Regency quality mahogany inlaid tea caddy having inlaid satinwood stringing, original ornate brass handles and escutcheon, lift up lid opening to reveal two tea caddies
Dim...
Category
19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Other
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 : Cuboid in mahogany with lighter colou...
Category
1840s British Victorian Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Wood
19th Century Chinese Export Lacquer Tea Caddy
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
The burgundy / brown lacquer is decorated with gold depicting figures and buildings in a landscape. The caddy stands on four carved wooden feet in the shape of claws. The interior contains a single pewter canister...
Category
19th Century English Antique Tea Caddies
Beautiful Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy
Located in Southall, GB
A fine Regency period rectangular tea caddy, veneered in panels divided by fine metal stringing. Silver metal escutcheon and key. Complete with an initialled plaque on the lid and ro...
Category
Early 19th Century European Regency Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Ivory, Tortoise Shell
Georgian Oval Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this Georgian Oval Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of elongated Oval form veneered in Harewood with Box...
Category
Late 18th Century British George III Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Brass
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 Architectural Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of bombe form with flared bas...
Category
1810s British Regency Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Shell
20Thc Tin Coffee Canister
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20Thc Coffee tin canister in original painted labels & original condition.
Category
Early 20th Century American Adirondack Tea Caddies
Materials
Tin
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 throughout.
Tea was of course a very precious commodity throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and the purpose of a tea caddy was not just to preserve the and extend the life of the precious tea leaves...
Category
Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Mahogany
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 Regency Tortoiseshell and Mother of Pearl Serpentine Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of rect...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Tortoise Shell, Mother-of-Pearl
Old English Sheffield Silver Plate / Lion Head Side Handle Tea Caddy
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Experience the timeless allure of our Old English Sheffield silver plate art deco style tea caddy, adorned with captivating lion head side handles and an attached cover. This extra...
Category
Late 19th Century English Art Deco Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Silver Plate
English 19th Century Mahogany Tea Caddy
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An English 19th Century top quality, solid mahogany tea caddy. This shaped box has a carved angular top lined with satinwood opening to a fitted interior. There are two removable fit...
Category
19th Century English Other Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Beaux-Arts Silver-Mounted Enamel Tea Caddy by Risler
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique French enamel tea caddy.
Mounted with gilt silver mounts.
By Risler of Paris.
Decorated with polychrome birds or paradise, rock outcroppings, and flowers/flor...
Category
19th Century French Beaux Arts Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Silver, Enamel
Antique George III Harewood Inlaid Tea Chest
Located in Northampton, GB
With Two Tea Caddies
From our Tea Caddy collection, we are pleased to offer this Georgian Harewood Tea Chest. The Tea Chest of rectangular form veneered in Harewood with inlaid Boxw...
Category
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Boxwood, Harewood
Mother of Pearl Tea Caddy
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautifully crafted mother of pearl tea caddy from circa 1860 is a true testament to English craftsmanship and elegance. The exterior glows wi...
Category
1860s French Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Georgian Original Painted Sycamore Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
George III Circa 1785
From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this Rare Original Hand-Painted Sycamore Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of Octagonal form veneered in Sycamo...
Category
Late 18th Century George III Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Sycamore
Georgian Novelty Apple Fruit Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
Shaped as an Apple
From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this superb Georgian Apple Treen Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy carved from Sycamore as a novelty Apple with a button stalk, shaped body and shaped cut steel escutcheon. When opened the Caddy reveals traces of the original tin foil lining for housing Tea leaves. The Apple Fruit Tea Caddy...
Category
Early 1800s English George III Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Sycamore
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 badge. English, circa 1870.
Category
1870s English Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Silver
Box of Chocolates Hand-Painted by Alfred Tolmer, circa 1930
By Alfred Tolmer
Located in Barcelona, ES
Box of Chocolates Hand-Painted by Alfred Tolmer. Manufactured in Spain, circa 1960. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful pati...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Spanish Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Paper
Victorian Hungarian Ash Tea Caddy
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A charming Mid-19th Century hungarian ash tea caddy of unusual design, having applied tablet & chequered strung decoration to well figured exterior, with slightly domed hinged top en...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Ash
George III Burr Yew Tea Chest
Located in Northampton, GB
Lined with Red Velvet Circa 1790
From our Tea Caddy collection, we are pleased to offer this Georgian Burr Yew Wood Tea Chest. The Tea Chest of rectangular form featuring quadrant B...
Category
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Cut Glass, Yew
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...
Category
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Tea Caddies
Materials
Silver
Hermes Carnets D'Equateur Tea Box
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Hermes "Carnets D'Équateur" multi-color tea caddy in hand painted lacquered wood with jungle motif and stainless steel interior / Made in Vietnam
Original stamp at underside / c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Tea Caddies
Materials
Wood
Vintage, New and Antique Tea Caddies
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.