Rare Silver Tea Tub Tea Caddy
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This rare George III silver tea caddy evokes the exotic origins of tea
Key Features
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- This rare George III silver tea caddy evokes the exotic origins of tea
- Detailed with rich engraving, simulating planks and pseudo-Chinese
- Crafted by English silversmiths John Parker and Edward Wakelin
- Silver tea tub caddies such as this one are quite rare
- Hallmarked London, 1766
- 3 3/4" square
Item Details
- Width:
3 3/4 Inches - Height:
3 3/4 Inches - Depth:
3 3/4 Inches - Period:
18th Century - Origin:
England/Ireland
This rare George III silver tea caddy or "tea tub" evokes the exotic origins of tea. Rich engraving, simulating planks and pseudo-Chinese characters reflect 18th-century Europe's enthusiasm for treasures from the Far East. Crafted by English silversmiths John Parker and Edward Wakelin, the shape is reminiscent of the wooden packing crates used to ship tea from China. Silver "tea tub" caddies such as this one are quite rare, as most chest-form caddies were usually made of wood.
Hallmarked London, 1766
3 3/4" square
Perhaps most among all beverages, tea is known for its enigmatic beginning, rivaled only by coffee. The colorful story of its accidental discovery by a Chinese emperor has been matched by itssubsequent journey to the West. In 1556, Portugese Jesuit missionary Father Jasper de Cruz became the first European known to taste tea, and to write about the mysterious beverage four years later. In fact, until 1560, tea had only been mentioned by caravan leaders traveling alongthe Silk Road, yet reports were so unclear as to its service format or appearance that one reference suggested the leaves be boiled, salted, buttered, and eaten!
Hallmarked London, 1766
3 3/4" square
Perhaps most among all beverages, tea is known for its enigmatic beginning, rivaled only by coffee. The colorful story of its accidental discovery by a Chinese emperor has been matched by itssubsequent journey to the West. In 1556, Portugese Jesuit missionary Father Jasper de Cruz became the first European known to taste tea, and to write about the mysterious beverage four years later. In fact, until 1560, tea had only been mentioned by caravan leaders traveling alongthe Silk Road, yet reports were so unclear as to its service format or appearance that one reference suggested the leaves be boiled, salted, buttered, and eaten!
The Great Georgian Silversmiths
Discussion of the great silvesmiths and silver of this period almost invariably involves three silversmiths whose work has become synonymous with the Georgian ear. Paul de Lamerie, Hester Bateman and Paul Storr were each exemplary smiths enjoying a great deal of prosperity and success in their careers, and they share the distinction of being among the most highly respected and collected silversmiths today. Read More »
Understanding Hallmarks
For hundreds of years, hallmarks have been used throughout Great Britain to identify, date and grade silver, plate, gold and platinum. You might say it's one of the world's oldest forms of consumer protection. Read More »
Price: $19,850
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