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Tea Caddies

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Tea Caddies For Sale
Antique Georgian Birdseye Maple English Double Tea Caddy Box Cut Crystal Bowl
Antique Georgian Birdseye Maple English Double Tea Caddy Box Cut Crystal Bowl

Antique Georgian Birdseye Maple English Double Tea Caddy Box Cut Crystal Bowl

Located in Dublin, Ireland

A Superb Example of an English Georgian Period Well figured Birds Eye Maple Double Interior Section Tea Caddy of flat rectangular outline, generous proportions and outstanding qualit...

Category

Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

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

Antique 19th Century Regency Sarcophagus Shaped  Burr Elm Tea Caddy
Antique 19th Century Regency Sarcophagus Shaped  Burr Elm Tea Caddy

Antique 19th Century Regency Sarcophagus Shaped Burr Elm Tea Caddy

Located in Suffolk, GB

Antique Regency 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. The colour ...

Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Elm

Ying Mee & Co., Antique Chinese Lacquer Tea Caddy or Box
Ying Mee & Co., Antique Chinese Lacquer Tea Caddy or Box

Ying Mee & Co., Antique Chinese Lacquer Tea Caddy or Box

Located in Atlanta, GA

Chinese, early 20th century. An antique red lacquer box with gilt decorated chickens, Chinese lettering and other symbols. Marked to box with maker.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Georgian Tea Caddy
Georgian Tea Caddy

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 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

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

18th Century Creamware Pottery Red-Printed Tea Caddy
18th Century Creamware Pottery Red-Printed Tea Caddy

18th Century Creamware Pottery Red-Printed Tea Caddy

Located in Downingtown, PA

Rustic Charm in Refined Form: An 18th-Century Creamware Red-Printed Tea Caddy, Circa 1765–75 This charming 18th-century creamware tea caddy, also known as a teapoy, is a beautiful ...

Category

Late 18th Century Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Creamware

Fine Antique Regency Inlaid Brass Rosewood Tea Caddy
Fine Antique Regency Inlaid Brass Rosewood Tea Caddy

Fine Antique Regency Inlaid Brass Rosewood Tea Caddy

Located in Suffolk, GB

Fine antique Regency inlaid brass rosewood tea caddy having a spectacular inlaid brass top and carved moulded rosewood edge, lift up lid opening to reveal a fitted interior with the ...

Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass, Other

19th Century carved mahogany teapoy stamped Gillows
19th Century carved mahogany teapoy stamped Gillows

19th Century carved mahogany teapoy stamped Gillows

By Gillows of Lancaster & London

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Superb quality Gillows regency mahogany teapoy circa 1820. The main body being of sarcophagus form, which opens to 4 mahogany slides on each corner, 1 large tole compartment flanked...

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Tin

Regency Period Burled Yew Wood Tea Caddy on Brass Spread-Winged Eagle Feet
Regency Period Burled Yew Wood Tea Caddy on Brass Spread-Winged Eagle Feet

Regency Period Burled Yew Wood Tea Caddy on Brass Spread-Winged Eagle Feet

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Regency burled yew wood tea caddy of tapered form with coffered lid and satinwood string inlay edges on brass spread-winged eagle feet and having ring handles with floral backs, the ...

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

English 19th Century Mahogany Tea Caddy
English 19th Century Mahogany Tea Caddy

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, angular top outlined with satinwood for subtle contrast, opening to a fitted interior. I...

Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Bronze

Antique Sarcophagus Loose Leaf Tea Caddy, Drawing Room, English, Regency, C.1820
Antique Sarcophagus Loose Leaf Tea Caddy, Drawing Room, English, Regency, C.1820

Antique Sarcophagus Loose Leaf Tea Caddy, Drawing Room, English, Regency, C.1820

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a fine antique sarcophagus tea caddy. An English, rosewood and satinwood loose leaf tea case, dating to the Regency period, circa 1820. Of distinguished form and richly toned...

Category

1820s British Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Rosewood, Satinwood

Georgian Mahogany Tea Caddy With Floral Inlaid Decoration
Georgian Mahogany Tea Caddy With Floral Inlaid Decoration

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 Lift Up Lid Enclosing Two Lidded Divisions And Exceptional Floral Inlaid Deocration ...

Category

Late 18th Century English Sheraton Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Mahogany

Regency Rosewood Sarcophagus Form Tea Caddy
Regency Rosewood Sarcophagus Form Tea Caddy

Regency Rosewood Sarcophagus Form Tea Caddy

Located in Huntington, NY

Regency rosewood sarcophagus form Tea Caddy. With circular Brass keyhole escutcheon plate.

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

Japanese Lacquer Padded Teapot Caddy
Japanese Lacquer Padded Teapot Caddy

Japanese Lacquer Padded Teapot Caddy

Located in Savannah, GA

Antique Japanese hand-painted lacquer teapot caddy. Interior is padded and fitted for blue and white porcelain teapot. The teapot stands 4¼ inches tall and features a fish on one si...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Porcelain, Lacquer

19th Century, Rosewood & Brass Scent Box
19th Century, Rosewood & Brass Scent Box

19th Century, Rosewood & Brass Scent Box

Located in Bedfordshire, GB

A charming and particularly good quality mid-19th century, Victorian Period, rosewood perfume scent box, with attractive brass bound decoration and hinged li...

Category

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

Rosewood Regency Tea Caddy Miniature Sideboard, English, Circa 1835
Rosewood Regency Tea Caddy Miniature Sideboard, English, Circa 1835

Rosewood Regency Tea Caddy Miniature Sideboard, English, Circa 1835

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

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

Asian Embroidery Tea Caddy
Asian Embroidery Tea Caddy

Asian Embroidery Tea Caddy

$252Sale Price|79% Off

Asian Embroidery Tea Caddy

Located in Pomona, CA

A handmade embroidery in birds and flowers Chinese tea caddy.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Fabric

English Regency Sarcophagus Shaped Tea Caddy
English Regency Sarcophagus Shaped Tea Caddy

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 rectangular form and sloped sides, resembling ancient coffins. Richly grained mahogany with ...

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Mahogany

Quality antique Regency rosewood tea caddy
Quality antique Regency rosewood tea caddy

Quality antique Regency rosewood tea caddy

Located in Ipswich, GB

Quality antique Regency rosewood tea caddy, having a quality antique Regency tea caddy of rectangular shape with ring handles to the sides, a lift up lid opening to reveal a fitted i...

Category

Early 19th Century Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Rosewood

English Regency Mauchline Ware Tea Caddy by Stiven Scotland
English Regency Mauchline Ware Tea Caddy by Stiven Scotland

English Regency Mauchline Ware Tea Caddy by Stiven Scotland

Located in Northampton, GB

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING A Regency period Mauchline Ware Tea Caddy by the Scottish firm Stiven dating to circa 1820. The tea caddy is of bowed square form crafted in sycamore and d...

Category

Early 19th Century Scottish Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood

Outstanding quality antique Victorian rosewood and burr maple tea caddy
Outstanding quality antique Victorian rosewood and burr maple tea caddy

Outstanding quality antique Victorian rosewood and burr maple tea caddy

Located in Ipswich, GB

Outstanding quality antique Victorian rosewood and burr maple tea caddy, having a quality antique Victorian tea caddy of sarcophagus form with beautiful swirling floral motifs along ...

Category

19th Century Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Glass, Maple, Rosewood

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

English Mahogany Box on Stand, Early 20th Century
English Mahogany Box on Stand, Early 20th Century

English Mahogany Box on Stand, Early 20th Century

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

Georgian Yew Tea Caddy With Floral Inlaid Decoration
Georgian Yew Tea Caddy With Floral Inlaid Decoration

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

English Birdseye Maple Sewing Box
English Birdseye Maple Sewing Box

English Birdseye Maple Sewing Box

$1,480Sale Price|20% Off

English Birdseye Maple Sewing Box

Located in Huntington, NY

Regency birdseye maple sewing box with lions heads handles on each side & lions hairy paw feet with a key.

Category

Early 1800s English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian Brass Mounted Coromandel Tea Caddy
Antique Victorian Brass Mounted Coromandel Tea Caddy

Antique Victorian Brass Mounted Coromandel Tea Caddy

Located in Ipswich, GB

Antique Victorian Brass Mounted Coromandel Tea Caddy with a fitted interior and working key.

Category

Early 19th Century Early Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

Regency Antique 19th Century Sarcophagus Shaped Burr Elm Tea Caddy
Regency Antique 19th Century Sarcophagus Shaped Burr Elm Tea Caddy

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

George III Mahogany Tea Caddy with Cut Corners and Two Conch Shell Inlays
George III Mahogany Tea Caddy with Cut Corners and Two Conch Shell Inlays

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. The front and top with large oval inlays of conch shells.

Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood

Fine quality antique Regency rosewood tea caddy
Fine quality antique Regency rosewood tea caddy

Fine quality antique Regency rosewood tea caddy

Located in Ipswich, GB

Fine quality antique Regency rosewood tea caddy, having a outstanding quality 19th Century rosewood and mother of pearl inlaid sarcophagus shaped tea caddy, with a quality carved mou...

Category

Early 19th Century Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Rosewood

Regency Mahogany Miniature Sideboard Tea Caddy
Regency Mahogany Miniature Sideboard Tea Caddy

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 miniature pedestal sideboard, having extremely well figured, crossbanded hinged top, over d...

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Mahogany

Gilt Tole Tea Canisters
Gilt Tole Tea Canisters

Gilt Tole Tea Canisters

Located in New York, NY

Set of three, English, 19th century tole canisters with painted and gilt finish, original patina. 18" height, 10.5" width of base.  

Category

19th Century English Antique Tea Caddies

Unusual Swansea Prattware Pearlware Pottery Covered Botanical Tea Caddy Box
Unusual Swansea Prattware Pearlware Pottery Covered Botanical Tea Caddy Box

Unusual Swansea Prattware Pearlware Pottery Covered Botanical Tea Caddy Box

Located in Downingtown, PA

Charming Utility: A Swansea Pearlware Prattware Covered Tea Caddy Box, c. 1800-1820 This is an exceptional example of an early 19th-century Pearlware Tea Caddy Box, distinguished by...

Category

Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Pearlware, Pottery

Victorian Tea Caddy in Hungarian Ash, Circa 1860, Unique Design
Victorian Tea Caddy in Hungarian Ash, Circa 1860, Unique Design

Victorian Tea Caddy in Hungarian Ash, Circa 1860, Unique Design

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

18th/19th Century English Regency Plum Pudding Mahogany Inlaid Tea Caddy
18th/19th Century English Regency Plum Pudding Mahogany Inlaid Tea Caddy

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

English Calamander Hinged Tea Caddy with Flanking Brass Floral Handles, C. 1800
English Calamander Hinged Tea Caddy with Flanking Brass Floral Handles, C. 1800

English Calamander Hinged Tea Caddy with Flanking Brass Floral Handles, C. 1800

Located in Charleston, SC

English Calamander hinged tea caddy with removable two lidded interior bins, centered mixing bowl, flanking brass floral side handles, locking key with tassel, and terminating on the...

Category

Early 1800s English George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

Attractive antique Victorian quality rosewood tea caddy
Attractive antique Victorian quality rosewood tea caddy

Attractive antique Victorian quality rosewood tea caddy

Located in Ipswich, GB

Attractive antique Victorian quality rosewood tea caddy, having an attractive bombe sarcophagus form quality tea caddy, with a lift up lid opening to reveal a fitted interior with tw...

Category

Early 19th Century Early Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Rosewood

Exceptional Georgian Crossbanded Satinwood Tea Caddy w/ Oval Inlaid Shell Panels
Exceptional Georgian Crossbanded Satinwood Tea Caddy w/ Oval Inlaid Shell Panels

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, the lid, front and sides inlaid with ovals of tortoiseshell. The lid, centered with a...

Category

Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Satinwood

19th Century English Sheffield Silver Plate / Oak Tea Caddy
19th Century English Sheffield Silver Plate / Oak Tea Caddy

19th Century English Sheffield Silver Plate / Oak Tea Caddy

By Sheffield

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Indulge in the timeless elegance of this 19th Century English Sheffield Silver Plate Tea Caddy, expertly framed with rich oak. This tea caddy represents a harmonious fusion of functi...

Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique English Regency Mahogany Tea Caddy
Antique English Regency Mahogany Tea Caddy

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. The box expertly conceived and executed. The lid opens to reveal two lidded compartme...

Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Mahogany

English Regency Decoupage Box, Early 19th Century
English Regency Decoupage Box, Early 19th Century

English Regency Decoupage Box, Early 19th Century

Located in valatie, NY

English Regency decoupage box, early 19th century. This box was made by using the decorative finish of decoupage. The box is covered in cut-out images of...

Category

Early 19th Century Great Britain (UK) Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

Victorian Burr Walnut Studded Tea Caddy With Engraved Brass & Green Baize
Victorian Burr Walnut Studded Tea Caddy With Engraved Brass & Green Baize

Victorian Burr Walnut Studded Tea Caddy With Engraved Brass & Green Baize

Located in Reading, Berkshire

Beautiful Victorian Burr Walnut Studded TeaCaddy Chest With Engraved Brass Details & Camel Bone Supports 1800's Would make an ideal present for any occasion.

Category

19th Century Spanish Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Walnut Veneer Parquetry Tea Caddy
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Walnut Veneer Parquetry Tea Caddy

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Walnut Veneer Parquetry Tea Caddy

Located in Reading, Berkshire

A 19th Century Antique English Victorian Ebonised Walnut Veneer Tea Caddy With Brass Handle & Lining A Charming tea caddy with decorative walnut veneer parquetry. A tea caddy...

Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

Regency Mahogany Tea Caddy Miniature Serpentine Sideboard
Regency Mahogany Tea Caddy Miniature Serpentine Sideboard

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 Form Of A Serpentine Miniature Sideboard, Having Lift Up Hinged Lid With Attractive...

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Rosewood Sarcophagus Shape British Tea Caddy
Antique Rosewood Sarcophagus Shape British Tea Caddy

Antique Rosewood Sarcophagus Shape British Tea Caddy

Located in Bridgeport, CT

British tea caddy finely crafted from rosewood and accentuated with a contrasting wood. It features a distinctive sarcophagus shape with a hinged, sloped lid, suede lined interior a...

Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

Wonderful German 800 Silver Tea Caddy
Wonderful German 800 Silver Tea Caddy

Wonderful German 800 Silver Tea Caddy

By G. None

Located in Bronx, NY

This vintage late 19th century German tea caddy is designed with a magnificent detailed repousse' floral motif. Multiple flowing vines & leaves & roses overwhelm the footed box. Ami...

Category

Late 19th Century German Art Nouveau Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver

Georgian Oval Tea Caddy
Georgian Oval Tea Caddy

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

Circa 1790 English George III Period Tea Caddy Box
Circa 1790 English George III Period Tea Caddy Box

Circa 1790 English George III Period Tea Caddy Box

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Circa 1790 George III period tea caddy box, English. Original inlaid inner caddies & a later cut glass sugar well. Old Sheffield plate silver pull. Banded in box or holly. Classic re...

Category

1790s English George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Sheffield Plate

1880s Dutch Silver Tea Caddy
1880s Dutch Silver Tea Caddy

1880s Dutch Silver Tea Caddy

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine antique Dutch silver tea caddy; an addition to our silver teaware collection. This fine Dutch silver tea caddy has a navette shaped oval form. The surface of this antique silver tea caddy...

Category

1880s Dutch Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver

Circa 1780 Continental Porcelain Tea Caddy
Circa 1780 Continental Porcelain Tea Caddy

Circa 1780 Continental Porcelain Tea Caddy

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Continental tea caddy, c.1780, molded soft paste porcelain. Neoclassical swag decoration, gilt monogram. No cover. Harvey Gunter collection. 3 1/4"w., 1 1/4"d., 5"h. Whitehall Antiq...

Category

1780s European Neoclassical Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Porcelain

Georigan Cherry Wood Tea Vessel
Georigan Cherry Wood Tea Vessel

Georigan Cherry Wood Tea Vessel

Located in Vienna, AT

A wonderful tea vessel made out of cherry wood in Vienna in about 1830-1850. Beautifully decorated by a silver plated application of a house and a landscape (some brassing).

Category

Mid-19th Century Austrian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver

Georgian Mahogany Inlaid Tea Caddy, England, Circa 1790, Antique Box
Georgian Mahogany Inlaid Tea Caddy, England, Circa 1790, Antique Box

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 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

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.