2017.47.2.a-.b
Tea Caddy
Artist
Samuel Taylor
Title
Tea Caddy
Creation Date
1753
Century
mid-18th century
Dimensions
4 3/4 in. (12.07 cm)
Object Type
silver
Creation Place
Europe, United Kingdom
Medium and Support
silver
Credit Line
Gift of Walter '57 and Katherine Gans
Copyright
This artwork may be under copyright. For further information, please consult the Museum’s
Copyright Terms and Conditions.
Accession Number
2017.47.2.a-.b
The British and American silversmiths represented here created these utilitarian forms to house commodities available to consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. Tea, sugar, and nutmeg were produced and consumed across Asia, the Islamic world, and the New World well before Europeans became aware of these goods. Beginning with the Renaissance, European merchants began trading along land and sea routes, bringing these goods back to their countries. This, in turn, exposed new societies to the beverage, sweetener, and spice. By the mid-eighteenth century, intercontinental trade increased the supply of these goods to Europe in an attempt to keep apace with the growing demand.
Object Description
Per 12/5/2017 Appraisal: Of cut-corner rectangular form, with molded foot, the sliding cover with cast finial chased all over with strap work borders, marked under base and on cover, engraved with crest and motto.
