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Tea Caddies For Sale
Antique English George III Satinwood Tea Caddy
Antique English George III Satinwood Tea Caddy

Antique English George III Satinwood Tea Caddy

Located in Northampton, GB

With Conch Shell Inlay From our Tea Caddy Collection, we are pleased to offer this superb Georgian Satinwood Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of rectangula...

Category

18th Century English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Boxwood, Satinwood, Tulipwood

19th Century Napoleon III Wood Marquetry Teacaddy
19th Century Napoleon III Wood Marquetry Teacaddy

19th Century Napoleon III Wood Marquetry Teacaddy

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

A refined antique French tea caddy from the end of Napoleon III. The box is beautifully inlaid with different types of wood and brass, outside around ...

Category

1880s French Napoleon III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Antique English Georgian Style Inlaid Mahogany Bombe Shaped Tea Caddy
Antique English Georgian Style Inlaid Mahogany Bombe Shaped Tea Caddy

Antique English Georgian Style Inlaid Mahogany Bombe Shaped Tea Caddy

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine antique Georgian style mahogany tea caddy. Of bombé form with fruit wood inlay, gilt brass mounts & handle, and bracket feet. Simply a wonderful, rare form! Date: L...

Category

Early 20th Century English Georgian Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

Georgian 18th Century Rosewood Square Tea Caddy
Georgian 18th Century Rosewood Square Tea Caddy

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

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

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

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

Antique George IV Gonçalo Alves & Amboyna Marquetry Tea Caddy C1825 19th Century
Antique George IV Gonçalo Alves & Amboyna Marquetry Tea Caddy C1825 19th Century

Antique George IV Gonçalo Alves & Amboyna Marquetry Tea Caddy C1825 19th Century

Located in London, GB

This is an exquisite antique George IV Gonçalo Alves and amboyna marquetry inlaid tea caddy, circa 1825 in date. It is beautifully decorated with superb marquetry decoration to the ...

Category

1820s George IV Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Amboyna

Pair of decorative 18th Century Hand-Painted Canton Enamel Tea Caddies
Pair of decorative 18th Century Hand-Painted Canton Enamel Tea Caddies

Pair of decorative 18th Century Hand-Painted Canton Enamel Tea Caddies

Located in Kastrup, DK

A pair of decorative and exquisite Canton tea caddies crafted from copper, featuring richly detailed, hand-painted landscape motifs on enamel surfaces. Period: Qianlong (1736–1795),...

Category

18th Century Chinese Other Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Copper, Enamel

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

Antique Tinware Tea Caddy
Antique Tinware Tea Caddy

Antique Tinware Tea Caddy

Located in Northampton, GB

Simulated Wood Tin Tea Caddy  From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this Tinware Tea Caddy. The Caddy of hexagonal shape fully hand-p...

Category

Late 18th Century British George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Tin

Rare English Mahogany Tea Caddy - Form of Chest of Drawers c.1880
Rare English Mahogany Tea Caddy - Form of Chest of Drawers c.1880

Rare English Mahogany Tea Caddy - Form of Chest of Drawers c.1880

Located in Bath, GB

A very handsome and rare large Victorian tea caddy created in the form of a chest of drawers. Made from Mahogany, the drawers are obviously false with a satinwood front trimmed with...

Category

1880s British Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood

Ceramic Elephant Teapot  , hand made in South Africa
Ceramic Elephant Teapot  , hand made in South Africa

Ceramic Elephant Teapot , hand made in South Africa

By Love Art Ceramic

Located in North Miami, FL

Elephant Teapot Hand-Painted by Swelihle Khanyeza, Sculpted by Sbusiso Ndaba Love Art Ceramic, South Africa, 2024 Introducing the Elephant Teapot, a stunning ceramic piece that beau...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Tea Caddies

Materials

Ceramic

Wonderful quality antique Regency burr walnut tea caddy
Wonderful quality antique Regency burr walnut tea caddy

Wonderful quality antique Regency burr walnut tea caddy

Located in Ipswich, GB

Wonderful quality antique Regency burr walnut tea caddy, having a fantastic quality Regency burr walnut tea caddy, a sarcophagus shaped with a domed shaped lift up lid to the top, op...

Category

Early 19th Century Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Walnut

Regency Burr Yew Tea Caddy
Regency Burr Yew Tea Caddy

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

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

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

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

19th Century Tea Caddy
19th Century Tea Caddy

19th Century Tea Caddy

Located in Charlottesville, VA

A beautiful tea caddy for your collection. It is beautiful mahogany .

Category

19th Century British Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Glass, Wood

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 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

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

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

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

Tinwear Tea Caddy Possibly American
Tinwear Tea Caddy Possibly American

Tinwear Tea Caddy Possibly American

Located in Northampton, GB

Antique Tinwear Tea Caddy From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this documented early 19th century Tinwear tea caddy. The top of cushioned shape with raised han...

Category

Early 19th Century British Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Tin

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

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

Antique English Paper Mache Tea Caddie W/ Original Cut Glass Sugar Bowl C. 1860
Antique English Paper Mache Tea Caddie W/ Original Cut Glass Sugar Bowl C. 1860

Antique English Paper Mache Tea Caddie W/ Original Cut Glass Sugar Bowl C. 1860

Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Antique English Paper Mache Tea Caddie W/ Original Cut Glass Sugar Bowl Circa 1860 Antique English papier mâché tea caddie dating to circa 1860, featuring classic period form and de...

Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Paper

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 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

18th Century, Antique Oval Spa Tea Caddy
18th Century, Antique Oval Spa Tea Caddy

18th Century, Antique Oval Spa Tea Caddy

Located in Northampton, GB

Rare simulated pine painted belgian spa tea caddy. Decorated with paintings on all sides depicting famous spa towns, Le Tonnelet, La Sauveniere Pres...

Category

18th Century British Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Sycamore

Fine Rolled Paper Tea Caddy
Fine Rolled Paper Tea Caddy

Fine Rolled Paper Tea Caddy

$1,155Sale Price|20% Off

Fine Rolled Paper Tea Caddy

Located in Folkestone, GB

A fine quality rolled/scrolled paperwork single compartmemt tea caddy in good originl condition with minor losses. Decorated all-over with applied scrolls of gilt edged and coloured ...

Category

Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Paper

English Regency Period Amboyna Wood Tea Caddy
English Regency Period Amboyna Wood Tea Caddy

English Regency Period Amboyna Wood Tea Caddy

Located in Lambertville, NJ

An English Regency Inlaid Amboyna Tea Caddy with brass mounts. The sarcophagus form with lion handles and scrolled feet. The interior with two compartments for tea with a replaced ...

Category

1810s English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Brass

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

George III Burr Yew Tea Chest
George III Burr Yew Tea Chest

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

Regency Tole Hot Water Urn
Regency Tole Hot Water Urn

Regency Tole Hot Water Urn

Located in Essex, MA

Chinoiserie decorated with cover with ball finial over a cylindrical body with lions head rings , lower spigot and pierced square plinth and paw feet.

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Tin

Victorian Hungarian Ash Tea Caddy
Victorian Hungarian Ash Tea Caddy

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

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

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

Georgian Mahogany & Inlaid Tea Caddy
Georgian Mahogany & Inlaid Tea Caddy

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

Georgian Sterling Silver Locking Double Cover Tea Caddy
Georgian Sterling Silver Locking Double Cover Tea Caddy

Georgian Sterling Silver Locking Double Cover Tea Caddy

By John Robins

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Georgian English sterling silver locking double cover tea caddy; an addition to our silver teaware collection. This exceptional antique George III sterling silver locking tea caddy has a plain rounded rectangular form with incurved corners. The surface of this caddy is plain and embellished to the lower portion of each side with fluted decoration. This antique Georgian tea caddy...

Category

Early 1800s English George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

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

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

Quality antique George III mahogany tea caddy
Quality antique George III mahogany tea caddy

Quality antique George III mahogany tea caddy

Located in Ipswich, GB

Quality antique George III mahogany tea caddy having a quality antique George III mahogany tea caddy with satinwood stringing inlay, with a lift up lid opening to reveal two lidded r...

Category

Early 19th Century George III Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Mahogany

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

Set of 3 William IV Period Painted Toleware Shop Tea Canisters
Set of 3 William IV Period Painted Toleware Shop Tea Canisters

Set of 3 William IV Period Painted Toleware Shop Tea Canisters

Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB

A Set of Three Exceptional 19th-Century Toleware Shop Tea Canisters A superb and very decorative set of three 19th-century William IV period English toleware tea canisters, origin...

Category

Early 19th Century British William IV Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Tôle

Mahogany Tea Chest, probably England, circa 1830
Mahogany Tea Chest, probably England, circa 1830

Mahogany Tea Chest, probably England, circa 1830

Located in New York, NY

Elegant mahogany tea chest featuring a decorative edge in light wood grain and a handle on the lid. The interior is meticulously lined with a light fabric, incorporating two hinged b...

Category

Early 19th Century Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Wood

English Regency Sarcophagus-Form Tea Caddy
English Regency Sarcophagus-Form Tea Caddy

English Regency Sarcophagus-Form Tea Caddy

Located in Bradenton, FL

English Regency Mahogany Tea Caddy. Tea Caddy is in the sarcophagus form with hinged lid concealing a three-section interior. Interior has a fitted glass mixing bowl in center, flank...

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Mahogany

1890s European Sterling Silver Bumble Bee Box
1890s European Sterling Silver Bumble Bee Box

1890s European Sterling Silver Bumble Bee Box

Located in Tarrytown, NY

European box, 2.8 ounces of solid silver. Bumble bee pulling a chariot.

Category

1890s Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Sterling Silver

Georgian Original Painted Sycamore Tea Caddy
Georgian Original Painted Sycamore Tea Caddy

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 Tea Caddy Henry Clay 'Attributed'
Georgian Tea Caddy Henry Clay 'Attributed'

Georgian Tea Caddy Henry Clay 'Attributed'

By Henry Clay

Located in Northampton, GB

Octagonal Papier-Mache Tea Caddy with Classical Figures Circa 1800 From our Tea Caddy collection, we are thrilled to offer this Henry Clay Octagonal papier-mache Tea Caddy. The Tea caddy decorated to the exterior with a central scene showing seated classical figures and cherubs. The top and bottom with Entwined diaper borders that are repeated on the hinged, silvered-handle top. The intior features a floating lid with a mounted silvered handle. Although unsigned we firmly attribute the Tea Caddy to renowned London maker Henry Clay. The Tea Caddy comes complete with working lock and key Henry Clay was an assistant to one of the pioneers in papier-mache by the name of John Baskerville who started to imitate the highly polished items, that were being imported from Japan, using lacquered...

Category

Early 1800s English Georgian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Paper

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

English Georgian Chinroserie Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy with Ball Feet, C. 1800
English Georgian Chinroserie Tortoise Shell Tea Caddy with Ball Feet, C. 1800

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

Antique Victorian Royal Horse Racing Prize Tea Chest with Silver Tea Caddies
Antique Victorian Royal Horse Racing Prize Tea Chest with Silver Tea Caddies

Antique Victorian Royal Horse Racing Prize Tea Chest with Silver Tea Caddies

By Sebastian Crespel II

Located in Northampton, GB

Awarded at Fernhill 18th August 1843 From our Tea Caddy collection, we are thrilled to offer this Ebonised Tea Chest given as a Royal Prize is 1843. The Tea Chest of rectangular for...

Category

Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Tea Caddies

Materials

Silver

Japanese Lacquered Natsume 'Tea Box'
Japanese Lacquered Natsume 'Tea Box'

Japanese Lacquered Natsume 'Tea Box'

Located in PARIS, FR

Natsume in dark red lacquer, decorated with autumn leaves and cherry blossoms in hiramaki-e and nashiji. Interior in black lacquer. Maple leaves (Momiji) are celebrated in literatur...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Tea Caddies

Materials

Lacquer

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.