Tea caddy (one of a pair)

early 19th century

Not on view

The term caddy, now used for any tea container, derived from the Eastern word kati, meaning about 12/3 pounds. Caddies were ornamental boxes fitted with one- or two-lidded compartments. Of elliptical shape, this delicate example is decorated with rolled paperwork. The central medallion shows a young girl with a lamb painted on silk. During the late eighteenth century it became a favorite pastime for young ladies to decorate objects in this manner, the materials being available for this purpose from professional suppliers. The color is remarkably fresh since the tea caddy has been kept in its original cardboard box.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Tea caddy (one of a pair)
Date: early 19th century
Culture: British
Medium: Pine base, cover; paper, silk
Dimensions: Overall (caddy, confirmed): 5 5/8 × 7 3/4 × 3 3/4 in. (14.3 × 19.7 × 9.5 cm);
Overall (box, confirmed): 6 × 8 1/2 × 4 1/2 in. (15.2 × 21.6 × 11.4 cm)
Classification: Woodwork-Furniture
Credit Line: Bequest of Irwin Untermyer, 1973
Object Number: 1974.28.78a–c
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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Royal Arms of Great Britain, Rolled cardboard, in frame, British — Royal Arms of Great Britain
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Tea caddy (one of a pair), Pine base, cover; paper, silk, British — Tea caddy (one of a pair)
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The Backgammon Players, Philip Webb British, Painted pine, oil paint on leather, brass, copper, British — The Backgammon Players
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