Rolled paperwork on a wood frame, brass handle, cardboard box, 1800–20, Great Britain. Museum no. W.73-1981
Tea caddies are small boxes used to store loose tea leaves. During the 18th and 19th centuries they were often highly decorative because they were placed on the table as tea was served, and would be seen by guests. Tea was relatively expensive so caddies of that date usually have locks.
Being small and light they were ideal for decorating at home. Wooden tea caddies with a raised framework were made by cabinet makers specifically to take filigree paperwork, a popular pastime around 1800. They could be purchased from shops such as The Temple of Fancy at 34 Rathbone Place, London, together with strips of coloured paper and published sheets of designs.
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