Victorian Painted Tea Caddy

A Beautiful hand painted Tea Caddy. Made from English pine, hand painted in the style of a Victorian house with detailing around each side, with a removable lid and a storage compartment underneath for originally storing tea. C1880

Tea caddies of the 18th and early 19th centuries not only reflect an important and fascinating social custom, but they demonstrate the best craftsmanship in practically every decorative material and technique of the age. It is probably this, together with their endless variety that makes them so attractive to collectors.

The high cost of tea made it at first available only to the rich, and at the same time conferred a social cache which was further enhanced by the example of Charles II’s queen, Catherine of Braganza, an enthusiastic tea drinker. Most of the early Tea caddies had locks fitted to deter someone pinching the expensive contents.

This lovely Box is in good antique condition and a fine example of Victorian tea accessories.