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Tea Caddies

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Tea Caddies For Sale
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

Mid 19th Century Silver Plate Tea Caddy Container
Mid 19th Century Silver Plate Tea Caddy Container

Mid 19th Century Silver Plate Tea Caddy Container

Located in Charlottesville, VA

Silver plate tea caddy. A beautiful English traditional accent. It’s well worn with lots of charm.

Category

Mid-19th Century British Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver Plate

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

William IV Rosewood Tea Poy
William IV Rosewood Tea Poy

William IV Rosewood Tea Poy

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

William IV Rosewood Tea Poy Item Code: S27-769 A decorative William IV rosewood tea poy, dating from the early 19th century. The rectangular hinged top opens to reveal the interior c...

Category

19th Century English Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Rosewood

Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Tea Caddy (1890)
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Tea Caddy (1890)

Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Tea Caddy (1890)

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver tea caddy; an addition to our Victorian silverware. This exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victo...

Category

1890s English Victorian 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

English Classical Repousse Tea Chest by Grinsell and Bourne
English Classical Repousse Tea Chest by Grinsell and Bourne

English Classical Repousse Tea Chest by Grinsell and Bourne

By John Grinsell & Sons

Located in Newark, England

Beautifully Patinated Repousse Design From our Decorative collection, we are delighted to introduce this superb example Repousse Tea Caddy by Grinsell and Bourne. The Tea Caddy of ...

Category

Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Metal, Bronze

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

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

Regency Mahogany Miniature Sideboard Tea Caddy, England, Circa 1830
Regency Mahogany Miniature Sideboard Tea Caddy, England, Circa 1830

Regency Mahogany Miniature Sideboard Tea Caddy, England, Circa 1830

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

Blue and Yellow Chinoiserie Tea Caddy
Blue and Yellow Chinoiserie Tea Caddy

Blue and Yellow Chinoiserie Tea Caddy

Located in New York, NY

Blue and yellow chinoiserie tea caddy. Charming Prattware shaped tea canister in a blue cast paste with blue, yellow and moss green decoration fe...

Category

Early 19th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Pottery

Mid 19th century Chinese export hand painted tea caddy
Mid 19th century Chinese export hand painted tea caddy

Mid 19th century Chinese export hand painted tea caddy

Located in Allentown, PA

This is a mid 19th century handpainted Chinese export tea caddy. This tea Caddy stands on four hand carved miniature foo dog sculpted feet. This tea caddy has its original pewter lin...

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood

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

Georgian Mahogany Tea Caddy, Inlaid Decoration, England, Circa 1790
Georgian Mahogany Tea Caddy, Inlaid Decoration, England, Circa 1790

Georgian Mahogany Tea Caddy, Inlaid Decoration, England, Circa 1790

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

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

19th Century Chinese Lacquer Tea Caddy

Located in Brea, CA

Middle 19th century Chinese Export double lacquer tea caddy on stand from the Qing dynasty. octagonal form with hinged lid ,divided interior with me...

Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Lacquer

English George III Chippendale Style Inlay Mahogany Tea Caddy
English George III Chippendale Style Inlay Mahogany Tea Caddy

English George III Chippendale Style Inlay Mahogany Tea Caddy

Located in Pittsburgh, PA

This handsome inlay mahogany bombe form tea caddy on bracket feet retains its original gilt brass hardware. The hand chased brass canisters and the lock and key are also original!

Category

Late 18th Century English Chippendale Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Mahogany

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

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

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

Georgian Mahogany 18th Century Tea Caddy, circa 1780
Georgian Mahogany 18th Century Tea Caddy, circa 1780

Georgian Mahogany 18th Century Tea Caddy, circa 1780

Located in Incline Village, NV

Nice mellow patina on this 18th century English mahogany tea caddy with three interior compartments. Two end sections have incised geometric carved lids. Tapered all around from top ...

Category

1780s English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood

English Creamware Tea Caddy, Red Transfer-Printed Pastoral Scenes, Circa 1770
English Creamware Tea Caddy, Red Transfer-Printed Pastoral Scenes, Circa 1770

English Creamware Tea Caddy, Red Transfer-Printed Pastoral Scenes, Circa 1770

Located in Downingtown, PA

English Creamware Tea Caddy, Red Transfer-Printed Pastoral Scenes, Circa 1770 This creamware tea caddy is of upright rectangular form with canted corners and an arched shoulder, ris...

Category

Late 18th Century Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Creamware

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 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

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

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

A Michelsen Vintage Danish Mid-Century Tea Caddy
A Michelsen Vintage Danish Mid-Century Tea Caddy

A Michelsen Vintage Danish Mid-Century Tea Caddy

By Georg Jensen

Located in Hellerup, DK

A rare Danish mid-century modern tea caddy from a wonderful estate collection, designed by Ibi Trier Mørch for A. Michelsen. Trier Mørch’s work was influenced by Erik Herløw, with wh...

Category

20th Century Danish Tea Caddies

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique George III Sterling Silver Tea Caddy (1818)
Antique George III Sterling Silver Tea Caddy (1818)

Antique George III Sterling Silver Tea Caddy (1818)

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Georgian English sterling silver tea caddy; an addition to our Early 19th Century silver teaware collection. This exceptional antique Geo...

Category

1810s English George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique English George III Tuscan Column Tea Caddy
Antique English George III Tuscan Column Tea Caddy

Antique English George III Tuscan Column Tea Caddy

Located in Northampton, GB

With Tuscan Columns & Fan Inlay. From our Tea Caddy collection, we are pleased to offer this Georgian Harewood Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of octagonal shape with a Harewood veneer exterior and crossbanded Tulipwood with Boxwood edging. The front features an oval cartouche with a central fan inlay matching the lid with a further fan inlay surmounted by turned bone...

Category

Late 18th Century British George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Boxwood

Fabienne Jouvin Cloisonne Box, France, 1980s
Fabienne Jouvin Cloisonne Box, France, 1980s

Fabienne Jouvin Cloisonne Box, France, 1980s

By Fabienne Jouvin

Located in Stockholm, SE

Produced in Paris by Fabienne Jouvin, 1980s. Very good condition with signs of usage and patina.

Category

1980s French French Provincial Vintage Tea Caddies

Materials

Enamel

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

Antique English Victorian Dovetailed Walnut Tea Caddy Small Desk Trinket Box
Antique English Victorian Dovetailed Walnut Tea Caddy Small Desk Trinket Box

Antique English Victorian Dovetailed Walnut Tea Caddy Small Desk Trinket Box

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique English Victorian Dovetailed Walnut Tea Caddy Small Desk Trinket Box. Item features dovetailed joints, solid wood construction, beautiful wood grain, very nice antique item. ...

Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Tea Caddies

Materials

Walnut

Large Chinese Tea Box Black Lacquered Gilt Hand Painted Octagonal Box 1940s
Large Chinese Tea Box Black Lacquered Gilt Hand Painted Octagonal Box 1940s

Large Chinese Tea Box Black Lacquered Gilt Hand Painted Octagonal Box 1940s

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Large Chinese Export Tea Box Octagonal Black Lacquered Gilt Painted Covered Box 1940s. Antique Chinoiserie black lacquer box with numerous figures and gilt detail. Asian Chinese blac...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Caddies

Materials

Giltwood, Lacquer

Antique Russian Solid Silver Chinoiserie Tea Caddy
Antique Russian Solid Silver Chinoiserie Tea Caddy

Antique Russian Solid Silver Chinoiserie Tea Caddy

By Victor Savinsky

Located in Northampton, GB

Rare Form with Chinoiserie Figures From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to introduce to the market this rare example Russian Silver Chinoiserie Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy ...

Category

Late 18th Century Russian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver

Antique George III Sterling Silver Locking Tea Caddy
Antique George III Sterling Silver Locking Tea Caddy

Antique George III Sterling Silver Locking Tea Caddy

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Georgian English sterling silver locking tea caddy; an addition to our silver teaware collection. This exceptional antique Georgian sterling silver tea caddy has an oval form. The surface of the tea caddy is plain and unembellished, with an applied reed decorated border to the upper and lower rims. This antique silver tea caddy retains the original hallmarked domed flush hinged cover; the flush hinge indicates the fine quality of this piece. The cover is surmounted with the original and exceptional silver topped oval button style finial. This antique Georgian tea caddy...

Category

1790s British George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Sterling Silver

Very Good Georgian Burr Elm Sarcophagus Shaped Tea Caddy, U.K, circa 1800
Very Good Georgian Burr Elm Sarcophagus Shaped Tea Caddy, U.K, circa 1800

Very Good Georgian Burr Elm Sarcophagus Shaped Tea Caddy, U.K, circa 1800

Located in Ottawa, Ontario

A very handsome early 19th century Georgian sarcophagus-shaped tea caddy in burr elm. The highly figured case fitted with a hinged canted top with a cross-banded edge, opening to an interior housing twin lidded tea canisters flanking a period cut-glass mixing bowl...

Category

Early 19th Century British Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Elm, Cut Glass

19th Century Chinese Canton Export Lacquered Giltwood Tea Caddy on Shishi Feet
19th Century Chinese Canton Export Lacquered Giltwood Tea Caddy on Shishi Feet

19th Century Chinese Canton Export Lacquered Giltwood Tea Caddy on Shishi Feet

Located in Haarlem, NL

Clover or quartreform shaped mid-19th century Chinese canton export tea caddy in gold lacquered wood on a black background. Decorated with palace scenes...

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Pewter

19th century Scandinavian burr elm teapoy
19th century Scandinavian burr elm teapoy

19th century Scandinavian burr elm teapoy

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

19th century burr elm teapoy circa 1840. Very good quality example of a Scandinavian teapoy with a strong influence from the english regency period. Sarcophagus shaped main body wh...

Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Elm

Pair of Mixed Wood Tea and Coffee Vessels
Pair of Mixed Wood Tea and Coffee Vessels

Pair of Mixed Wood Tea and Coffee Vessels

Located in Greenwich, CT

Good pair of late 19th Century English or Scottish mixed wood treen coffee and tea containers, having compass star inlaid turned lids over turned bodies of ...

Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Birch, Mahogany

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

Rosewood Karlsbad Tea Caddy
Rosewood Karlsbad Tea Caddy

Rosewood Karlsbad Tea Caddy

Located in Northampton, GB

Karlsbad Czech Republic From our Tea Caddy collection, we are pleased to offer this Rosewood Karlsbad Tea Caddy. The Rosewood Tea Caddy of square form with rounded edges made from R...

Category

Late 19th Century Czech Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Nickel

Stunning Engraved Neoclassical Antique Sterling Silver Tea Caddy - London 1806
Stunning Engraved Neoclassical Antique Sterling Silver Tea Caddy - London 1806

Stunning Engraved Neoclassical Antique Sterling Silver Tea Caddy - London 1806

Located in London, London

Hallmarked in London in 1806 by Thomas Paine Dexter, this charming, George III period, Antique Sterling Silver Tea Caddy, is oval in shape, and in the Neoclassical taste, with bright cut engraved decoration to the body and lid, a tea plant finial, and an engraved crest to the cartouche. The tea caddy measures 4.25"(11cm) tall, by 4.5"(11.5cm) wide, by 3.25"(8.5cm) deep, and weighs 11 troy ounces. The crest is likely that of John Trotter...

Category

Early 1800s English Neoclassical Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Sterling Silver

Victorian Rosewood Inlaid Marquetry Tea Caddy
Victorian Rosewood Inlaid Marquetry Tea Caddy

Victorian Rosewood Inlaid Marquetry Tea Caddy

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

For sale is this 19th Century Victorian antique rosewood inlaid marquetry tea caddy sarcophagus-form box, in good condition with marquetry to the top and front with brass star carryi...

Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Rosewood

Fine William and Mary 17th Century Olive Oyster Lace Box
Fine William and Mary 17th Century Olive Oyster Lace Box

Fine William and Mary 17th Century Olive Oyster Lace Box

Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

A fine late 17th-century olive oyster 'Lace Box' of small proportions, circa 1680-1690, England. The cross-grain moulded and holly banded top is finely veneered in hand-cut veneers ...

Category

17th Century English William and Mary Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Olive

Antique George V Sterling Silver & Cut-Glass Tea Caddy, 1915
Antique George V Sterling Silver & Cut-Glass Tea Caddy, 1915

Antique George V Sterling Silver & Cut-Glass Tea Caddy, 1915

By George Nathan & Ridley Hayes

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver and cut-glass tea caddy, an addition to our silver mounted glass collection. This impressive antique George V cut-glass tea caddy has a circular rounded form. The vessel of this antique silver tea caddy...

Category

1910s English Vintage Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique Austrian Silver Tea Caddy, 800 Standard, Oval Form, Circa 1955
Antique Austrian Silver Tea Caddy, 800 Standard, Oval Form, Circa 1955

Antique Austrian Silver Tea Caddy, 800 Standard, Oval Form, Circa 1955

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Austrian 800 standard silver tea caddy; an addition to our silver teaware collection. This exceptional Austrian silver tea caddy has an...

Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver

Victorian Sterling Silver Locking Tea Caddy by Thomas White, 1874
Victorian Sterling Silver Locking Tea Caddy by Thomas White, 1874

Victorian Sterling Silver Locking Tea Caddy by Thomas White, 1874

By Thomas White

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive, large antique Victorian English sterling silver locking tea caddy; an addition to our silver teaware collection. This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver tea caddy has an oval shaped form. The upper and lower portions of the body are encompassed with impressive bright cut engraved broad overlapping leaf decorated borders accented with a band of scallop and trefoil ornamentation in addition to protruding stylized leaf designs to the incurves of the body. The body of this large tea caddy...

Category

1870s English Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

1910 Egg Crate
1910 Egg Crate

1910 Egg Crate

Located in New York, NY

Hand-picked by buyers at Ann-Morris Inc.

Category

Early 20th Century Tea Caddies

Materials

Aluminum

A Very Rare Irish William IV Tea Poy Attributed To 'Strahan' of Dublin
A Very Rare Irish William IV Tea Poy Attributed To 'Strahan' of Dublin

A Very Rare Irish William IV Tea Poy Attributed To 'Strahan' of Dublin

Located in Dublin, IE

A very rare early 19th Century Irish William IV well figured rosewood teapoy of exceptional quality, finely hand carved with beautifully rich patination and fine grain. The moulded ...

Category

Early 19th Century Irish Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

Regency Inlaid Tea Caddy
Regency Inlaid Tea Caddy

Regency Inlaid Tea Caddy

$2,145Sale Price|20% Off

Regency Inlaid Tea Caddy

By Regency

Located in London, GB

Regeny Heavily inlaid Brass Tea Caddy This Tea Caddy in Walnut and Elevated on Four Bun Feet Some Minor Nicks The Interior Consists of a Tea Compartment with Shedding Paint

Category

Early 19th Century British Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Walnut

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.