Artwork Page for Tea Caddy

Details / Information for Tea Caddy

Tea Caddy

1741–1742
fabricated by

Paul Jacques de Lamerie

(British, 1688–1751)
View all records in artwork set
Culture
England, London, 18th century
Medium
silver gilt
Measurements
Overall: 13.4 x 9.6 x 5.8 cm (5 1/4 x 3 3/4 x 2 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
The Thomas S. Grasselli Memorial Collection 1943.179.a
Public Domain
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Location
203A British Painting and Decorative Arts
Print
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Did You Know?

This tea caddy is accompanied by a lid. See cover record.

Description

In the 1600s and 1700s, silver played a significant role in projecting wealth, status, power, and ritual in British life. Tea was likewise a highly valued commodity, and as such, silver caddies like this one were designed to display the social distinction of its owner. This canister’s prominently sloping shoulders were designed by Paul Jacques de Lamerie in the early 1730s and became a standard form for tea caddies by the end of the decade.
A rectangular silver gilt vessel features rounded corners and a reflective gold surface. Intricate raised designs of scrolling leaves and flowers frame the edges, surrounding a central figure of a small child within a decorative cartouche. The base is formed from overlapping leaf and petal motifs that serve as feet. A small rectangular opening is visible on the flat top. Ornate foliate decoration borders smooth, mirror-like panels on each side.

Tea Caddy

1741–1742

Paul Jacques de Lamerie

(British, 1688–1751)
England, London, 18th century

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