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19th Century English Tunbridge Ware Marquetry Tea Caddy
19th Century English Tunbridge Ware Marquetry Tea Caddy

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

Antique Victorian English Burr Walnut Tea Caddy Sarcophagus Double Tea Caddy
Antique Victorian English Burr Walnut Tea Caddy Sarcophagus Double Tea Caddy

Antique Victorian English Burr Walnut Tea Caddy Sarcophagus Double Tea Caddy

Located in Suffolk, GB

An antique Victorian English burr walnut tea caddy of classic sarcophagus form, raised on bun feet and of excellent colour throughout. The lid is beautifully shaped and finely carved...

Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Walnut

Message or Tea Leaves Three Holders
Message or Tea Leaves Three Holders

Message or Tea Leaves Three Holders

$327Sale Price / set|36% Off

Message or Tea Leaves Three Holders

Located in Alessandria, Piemonte

Old containers for tea leaves or for message sheets. In teak: h.17,5 x diameter 6 and h. 27 x diameter 8,5. In brass: h.16 x 4,5 - The smallest SOLD and cancelled. The NEW PRICE i...

Category

Late 20th Century Indian Other Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

19th Century Chinese Tea Caddy
19th Century Chinese Tea Caddy

19th Century Chinese Tea Caddy

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Hand painted with chinoiserie motif. Original inserts with etching.

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Zinc

Very Fine Biedermeier Period Tea Caddy of Bombe Form in Exotic Woods, circa 1830
Very Fine Biedermeier Period Tea Caddy of Bombe Form in Exotic Woods, circa 1830

Very Fine Biedermeier Period Tea Caddy of Bombe Form in Exotic Woods, circa 1830

Located in Ottawa, Ontario

A very fine and visually striking Biedermeier Period tea caddy of exceptional quality, demonstrating a highly elevated form and a most complex application of exotic woods. The hinged...

Category

Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Zebra Wood, Yew, Amboyna, Satinwood

Sarcophagus Form Tea Caddy with Brass Paw Feet
Sarcophagus Form Tea Caddy with Brass Paw Feet

Sarcophagus Form Tea Caddy with Brass Paw Feet

Located in Charlottesville, VA

A tea caddy of sarcophagus form with canted sides and a stepped pyramidal lid, the figured veneers framed in fine light stringing with a shield shaped escutcheon to the front and rai...

Category

19th Century English Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

19th c English Chippendale Style Mahogany Tea Caddy with Silver Plate Tea Boxes
19th c English Chippendale Style Mahogany Tea Caddy with Silver Plate Tea Boxes

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 corners, silver plate scrollwork escutcheon & handle, the custom interior lined with velour for silver plated tea boxes with acorn & oak leaf knops flanking a central mahogany foil lined tea box with an acanthus knop. The handled top has a monogrammed plate “M...

Category

19th Century English Chippendale Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver Plate

19th Century Sea Captain's Tea Caddy
19th Century Sea Captain's Tea Caddy

19th Century Sea Captain's Tea Caddy

Located in Nantucket, MA

Early 19th century sea captain's tea caddy, circa 1830, made of coramandel wood gathered in the Spice Islands China Trade, with sailor's grommet-spliced rope becket handles. The inte...

Category

Early 19th Century American Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood

Antique English Sterling Silver Tea Caddy - 1911
Antique English Sterling Silver Tea Caddy - 1911

Antique English Sterling Silver Tea Caddy - 1911

By Brook & Son, Edinburgh 1

Located in Bath, GB

A handsome hexagonal solid silver tea caddy created to mimic a Georgian wooden caddy with the top decorated with a fan "inlay". The centre of the fan is mounted with a folding finia...

Category

1910s British Vintage Tea Caddies

Materials

Sterling Silver

Victorian Box, Polished Mahogany, Brass, England circa 1880
Victorian Box, Polished Mahogany, Brass, England circa 1880

Victorian Box, Polished Mahogany, Brass, England circa 1880

Located in Regensburg, DE

Mahogany solid wood, Shellac and-polished. Brass hinges and lock. Dimensions: H 60 cm x W 28.3 cm x 16.5 cm.

Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century English Chinoiserie Toleware Grocer's Tea Canister.
19th Century English Chinoiserie Toleware Grocer's Tea Canister.

19th Century English Chinoiserie Toleware Grocer's Tea Canister.

Located in Vero Beach, FL

19th Century English Chinoiserie Toleware Grocer's Tea Canister A fine and well-proportioned grand-scale English grocer's toleware tea canister, dating to the mid-19th century. Desi...

Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Tin

Early 19th Century Regency Mother of Pearl Inlaid Tea Caddy of Sarcophagus Form
Early 19th Century Regency Mother of Pearl Inlaid Tea Caddy of Sarcophagus Form

Early 19th Century Regency Mother of Pearl Inlaid Tea Caddy of Sarcophagus Form

Located in Long Island City, NY

The body and hinged lid with mother of pearl and brass-line inlay. The fitted interior is lined with purple velvet. With a brass escutcheon and bun foot.

Category

1820s Irish Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

English Regency Tea Caddy with Original Key
English Regency Tea Caddy with Original Key

English Regency Tea Caddy with Original Key

Located in Tampa, FL

A distinguished English Regency tea caddy, likely dating to the 1830s, featuring a red leather lined interior and a velvet bottom. The caddy retains its original twin tea holders and...

Category

1830s English Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood

20Thc Tin Coffee Canister
20Thc Tin Coffee Canister

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

19th Century French Boulle Tea Caddy
19th Century French Boulle Tea Caddy

19th Century French Boulle Tea Caddy

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Very fine. Early 19th century Napoleon tea caddy. Brass inlay. Crystal vessel (not original).

Category

Early 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Large Regency Tea Caddy
Large Regency Tea Caddy

Large Regency Tea Caddy

Located in Tampa, FL

A large sarcophagus shaped rosewood tea caddy with a semi domed top. Original glass inside and two tea compartments. Mother of pearl inlaid escutcheon. On bun feet. The interior is f...

Category

1820s English Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Glass, Wood

Large Danish Studio Pottery Teapot by Merethe Bloch, 1960s
Large Danish Studio Pottery Teapot by Merethe Bloch, 1960s

Large Danish Studio Pottery Teapot by Merethe Bloch, 1960s

Located in Hamburg, DE

Large Danish Mid-Century Modern Studio Pottery Teapot by Merethe Bloch, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark, Additional informat...

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Ceramic

George IV Gonçalo Alves and Amboyna Marquetry Sarcophagus Tea Caddy ca. 1825
George IV Gonçalo Alves and Amboyna Marquetry Sarcophagus Tea Caddy ca. 1825

George IV Gonçalo Alves and Amboyna Marquetry Sarcophagus Tea Caddy ca. 1825

Located in Nottingham, GB

Intricate amboyna marquetry borders trace the stepped sarcophagus lid and tapering body of this tea caddy, setting pale, mottled burr against the deep, dramatic grain of gonçalo alve...

Category

Early 19th Century Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

Antique English Solid Sterling Silver Tea Caddy - 1902
Antique English Solid Sterling Silver Tea Caddy - 1902

Antique English Solid Sterling Silver Tea Caddy - 1902

By Thomas Bradbury & Sons Ltd.

Located in Bath, GB

A fabulous Edwardian tea caddy in the form of a wooden Sheraton tea caddy with what would have been conch shell motif inlays. Just returned from our silversmith's workshop where it ...

Category

Early 1900s British Sheraton Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Sterling Silver

Box Cannister Caddy Brass Tobacco Tea Dutch
Box Cannister Caddy Brass Tobacco Tea Dutch

Box Cannister Caddy Brass Tobacco Tea Dutch

Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK

A charming early tobacco box or tea cannister Unusual, large size Lovely soft contours which enhances the reflection of light in the interior Original condition including hinges length 21cm., 8 1/4" depth 7.5cm., 3" height 11cm., 4 1/2". The Dutch were the main importers of tobacco in the 18th century and manufactured tobacco boxes to sell with...

Category

18th Century Dutch Baroque Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian Tunbridge Ware Burr Wood Tea Caddy with Twin Compartments
Antique Victorian Tunbridge Ware Burr Wood Tea Caddy with Twin Compartments

Antique Victorian Tunbridge Ware Burr Wood Tea Caddy with Twin Compartments

Located in Nottingham, GB

Geometric Tunbridge ware tesserae bands border the richly figured burr wood exterior of this rectangular tea caddy, framing a central micro-mosaic floral medallion set into the lid. ...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood

Chinese Coconut tea pot - China - late 18th / early 19th - Qing - Asian Art
Chinese Coconut tea pot - China - late 18th / early 19th - Qing - Asian Art

Chinese Coconut tea pot - China - late 18th / early 19th - Qing - Asian Art

Located in Beuzevillette, FR

Very pretty and old tea pot, gourd shaped, in sculpted coconut, chiseled and mounted on pewter. The cap is also made of pewter. The coconut is decorated with imperial motifs. Chinese...

Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Tin

Antique Tea Caddy, English, Loose Leaf Canister, Mixing Glass, Regency, C.1820
Antique Tea Caddy, English, Loose Leaf Canister, Mixing Glass, Regency, C.1820

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

English Early Tea Caddy
English Early Tea Caddy

English Early Tea Caddy

Located in Tampa, FL

English early large and beautifully decorated tea cadd with its compartments lids with ivory knobs top on the lids. Beautifully inlaid on the front of the escutcheon. The interior me...

Category

1810s English Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood

Antique Rare French Tea Caddy, Hand-Painted Briar Wood, Beaux Arts, 1830
Antique Rare French Tea Caddy, Hand-Painted Briar Wood, Beaux Arts, 1830

Antique Rare French Tea Caddy, Hand-Painted Briar Wood, Beaux Arts, 1830

Located in Alessandria, Piemonte

Exceptional casket with beautiful landscape miniature, briar-tuia wood - miniature fixe on silk, A very rare objet : for collectors. I keep it leaning on a chest of drrawers and ...

Category

1830s French Beaux Arts Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood

Antique English Satinwood Wooden Georgian Regency Double Tea Caddy 19th Century
Antique English Satinwood Wooden Georgian Regency Double Tea Caddy 19th Century

Antique English Satinwood Wooden Georgian Regency Double Tea Caddy 19th Century

By Gillows of Lancaster & London

Located in Dublin, Ireland

Impressive English Georgian Sheraton Period Flame Grain Satinwood Double Tea Caddy of outstanding quality and workmanship and compact size. Circa 1800-20. The hinged lid cross band...

Category

Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Georgian Burr Yew Conch Shell Tea Caddy
Georgian Burr Yew Conch Shell Tea Caddy

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 beautiful antique Georgian Burr Yew wood Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of rectangular form wit...

Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Yew

Carol Snyder Porcelain Teapot, American Studio Pottery
Carol Snyder Porcelain Teapot, American Studio Pottery

Carol Snyder Porcelain Teapot, American Studio Pottery

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Vintage porcelain ceramic teapot features sculptural, whimsical form with prominent spout, rounded applied handle, and flattened cover with flared out conical handle. The sides of te...

Category

20th Century American Organic Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain, Pottery, Stoneware

A late George III mahogany tea caddy
A late George III mahogany tea caddy

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 compartments with sliding lids, with silver mounts including a foliate scroll handle,...

Category

19th Century English George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Mahogany

Antique German Sterling Silver Teacaddy Neresheimer Sohnes Berthold Muller 1900
Antique German Sterling Silver Teacaddy Neresheimer Sohnes Berthold Muller 1900

Antique German Sterling Silver Teacaddy Neresheimer Sohnes Berthold Muller 1900

Located in Dublin, Ireland

An Absolutely Stunning heavy gauge German Sterling Silver Eighteenth Century style Tea Caddy Circa 1900. Intricate repousse relief decoration depicts genre scenes of adult figures ...

Category

18th Century German Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Crystal, Sterling Silver

Antique Swedish Folk Art Tea Caddy in Hand-Carved Wood, 19th century
Antique Swedish Folk Art Tea Caddy in Hand-Carved Wood, 19th century

Antique Swedish Folk Art Tea Caddy in Hand-Carved Wood, 19th century

Located in Esbjerg, DK

A fine hand-tooled and ebonized wooden tea canister of Swedish origin - circa 1850-1890. Folk art piece made by an unknown artisan. Measurements: H: 18 cm, Diameter: 15 cm.

Category

19th Century Swedish Folk Art Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Oak

Set of 3 Antique Silver Gilt Tea Caddies 1903-1906 London, England Boxes
Set of 3 Antique Silver Gilt Tea Caddies 1903-1906 London, England Boxes

Set of 3 Antique Silver Gilt Tea Caddies 1903-1906 London, England Boxes

By Sebastian Henry Garrard

Located in London, GB

A set of three impressive solid Silver Tea Caddies decorated with ornated chased designs on the body and foot. Each has a chased push fit lid topped with a lovely berry and leaf fini...

Category

19th Century English Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Regency Rosewood Sarcophagus Tea Caddy With Separate Tea Compartments
Antique Regency Rosewood Sarcophagus Tea Caddy With Separate Tea Compartments

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

Early 19th Century English Regency Rosewood Mother-of-pearl Tea Caddy
Early 19th Century English Regency Rosewood Mother-of-pearl Tea Caddy

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

19th Century Chinese Export Tea Caddy
19th Century Chinese Export Tea Caddy

19th Century Chinese Export Tea Caddy

Located in Charlottesville, VA

A black lacquered tea caddy. Great decoration and has interior compartment.

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood, Paint

English Shagreen Tea Caddy 19th with Bone Finial
English Shagreen Tea Caddy 19th with Bone Finial

English Shagreen Tea Caddy 19th with Bone Finial

Located in Dallas, TX

Antique English shagreen cased six sided wooden tea caddy with nice silver mounts, bone finial and undivided interior. Comes with small silver pin to ...

Category

1880s English Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver

Edwardian Mahogany Box on Stand, Brass Corners, England, 1905
Edwardian Mahogany Box on Stand, Brass Corners, England, 1905

Edwardian Mahogany Box on Stand, Brass Corners, England, 1905

Located in Stamford, CT

A sweet little box on stand from the Edwardian period. The box, likely originally a tea caddy, with brass corners. The base with turned legs and a single drawer. The box lifts out of...

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Tea Caddies

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Georgian Satinwood Tea Caddy Box with Original Glass Bowl
Antique Georgian Satinwood Tea Caddy Box with Original Glass Bowl

Antique Georgian Satinwood Tea Caddy Box with Original Glass Bowl

Located in Suffolk, GB

A fine and elegant Georgian satinwood tea caddy of exceptional colour and figuring dating to the late 18th century. A particularly attractive example with rich golden tones and stron...

Category

18th Century English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Glass, Satinwood

19th Century Chinese Gold Lacquer Tea Caddy
19th Century Chinese Gold Lacquer Tea Caddy

19th Century Chinese Gold Lacquer Tea Caddy

Located in Brea, CA

19th century Chinese gold lacquer tea caddy container from the Qing Dynasty. Unique shape, hard to find.

Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Lacquer

Silver-Clad Table Casket with Golden Patina
Silver-Clad Table Casket with Golden Patina

Silver-Clad Table Casket with Golden Patina

Located in Buchanan, MI

A silver-clad table casket the domed hinge top centered with a paterae among foliate scrolls. apparently unmarked This has a golden patina. Height 7 1/2...

Category

20th Century Baroque Revival Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver Plate

Georgian Tea Caddy
Georgian Tea Caddy

Georgian Tea Caddy

Located in East Aurora, NY

A very nice early English Mahogany Tea Caddy. The etched crystal glass mixing bowl is of very good quality but a later replacement although it fits perfectly in the center cut out. D...

Category

Late 18th Century British Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of 19th Century American Henry Troemner Philadephia Pa Chinoiserie Tea Bins
Pair of 19th Century American Henry Troemner Philadephia Pa Chinoiserie Tea Bins

Pair of 19th Century American Henry Troemner Philadephia Pa Chinoiserie Tea Bins

By Henry Troemner

Located in Dallas, TX

Presenting a gorgeous and extremely rare pair mid-19th century, metal tea bins, by Henry Troemner of Philadelphia, PA in the chinoiserie style. From circa 1845. Made of black enamel...

Category

Mid-19th Century American Chinoiserie Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Tin

21st century Italian Sterling Silver hexagonal Tea/Candy Box
21st century Italian Sterling Silver hexagonal Tea/Candy Box

21st century Italian Sterling Silver hexagonal Tea/Candy Box

By Del Conte

Located in VALENZA, IT

21st century Italian Sterling Silver hexagonal Tea/Caddy Box Hexagonal sterling silver tea box, shaped completely by hand. The body has rounded edges and has been left completely s...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Other Tea Caddies

Materials

Sterling Silver

Georgian Antique Burr Yew Canted Corner Tea Caddy
Georgian Antique Burr Yew Canted Corner Tea Caddy

Georgian Antique Burr Yew Canted Corner Tea Caddy

Located in Northampton, GB

Free Worldwide Shipping Tea Leave Inlaid Canted Corners From our Tea Caddy Collection, we are pleased to offer this beautiful George III Burr Yew Canted Corner Tea Caddy. The Antiq...

Category

Late 18th Century British George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Boxwood, Satinwood, Yew

Antique English Silver Tea Caddy - Sheffield 1893 - Atkin Brothers
Antique English Silver Tea Caddy - Sheffield 1893 - Atkin Brothers

Antique English Silver Tea Caddy - Sheffield 1893 - Atkin Brothers

By Atkin Brothers

Located in Bath, GB

A handsome Victorian solid / sterling silver tea canister with a repousse decoration to both body and pull-off lid. The tea caddy is fully hallmarked for the well renowned silversmi...

Category

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Sterling Silver

Regency Mahogany Tea Caddy
Regency Mahogany Tea Caddy

Regency Mahogany Tea Caddy

Located in Greenwich, CT

Fine English Regency mahogany caddy with canted sides and shaped hinged top with ebony stringing and original brass paw feet. Good color and patina.

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Dome Top Tea Caddy, English, Burr Walnut, Box, Gothic Taste, Victorian
Antique Dome Top Tea Caddy, English, Burr Walnut, Box, Gothic Taste, Victorian

Antique Dome Top Tea Caddy, English, Burr Walnut, Box, Gothic Taste, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique dome top tea caddy. An English, burr walnut and brass capped loose leaf box, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1880. Wonderful Gothic revival finish to ...

Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Walnut

Set of 6 Mindanao Brass Silver Betel Boxes, Philippines
Set of 6 Mindanao Brass Silver Betel Boxes, Philippines

Set of 6 Mindanao Brass Silver Betel Boxes, Philippines

Located in Dallas, TX

Presenting an amazing set of 6 Mindanao brass silver betel boxes, Philippines. Betel chewing was prevalent in the southern Philippines as in much o...

Category

Late 19th Century Philippine Islamic Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver, Brass, Copper

Charming Diminutive 19th Century English Rosewood Step-Back Cupboard
Charming Diminutive 19th Century English Rosewood Step-Back Cupboard

Charming Diminutive 19th Century English Rosewood Step-Back Cupboard

Located in Buchanan, MI

A charming 19th century English diminutive step-back cupboard with two glazed doors over two drawers and two-paneled doors.

Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Rosewood

Antique Gillows Tea Caddy, Ebony & Satinwood, Circa 1795
Antique Gillows Tea Caddy, Ebony & Satinwood, Circa 1795

Antique Gillows Tea Caddy, Ebony & Satinwood, Circa 1795

By Gillows of Lancaster & London

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Late Georgian/Regency Period Tea Caddy "Optic/Medallion" Tea Caddy Attributed to Gillows of Lancaster A stunningly constructed English Sheraton-period tea caddy dating to the late ...

Category

Late 18th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Foil

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.