What is a tea caddy? It has nothing at all to do with golf. Different spelling and very different uses. This kind of a caddy was meant to hold loose-leaf tea. Brought to Europe and England from China in the 1600s, tea was very expensive and was consumed only by the very wealthy members of society. When introduced to English society in 1662 by Catherine of Braganza, the queen of Charles ll, tea drinking became quite fashionable.
Originally known as tea canisters and made of porcelain with blue and white decorations and a ginger-jar-like form, the name shifted to caddies in the 1800s. It is thought that the name came from the word “catty,” which referred to a Chinese pound that weighs 600 grams. This was the unit of measurement used to sell tea.
Once the precious tea spread throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, owners began to commission caddies that were made of various materials including wood, metal, tortoiseshell, pewter, brass, or copper. Chippendale and Hepplewhite were two of the most sought-after tea caddy designers and producers. The earlier caddy styles had two or three sections inside that were fitted with metal containers to separate the black and green teas. Some also had a third box or a glass that would be used to mix the teas or to hold sugar. Because of the value of the precious tea held within, many caddies included a lock to keep the contents safe. The key belonged to the lady of the home, and she always kept it with her.
Today, we have tea in tins, boxes, and tea bags. Not nearly as attractive or collectible as an antique or vintage tea caddy. Plus, the older caddies are wonderful decorative items for home decor. And they will forever have a place in history that can lead to interesting discussions about their origins.
The caddy gems shown here are from The Rock House Antiques. Vintage and antique caddies can also be found online at 1stDibs, Chairish, eBay, and Etsy.
Photography by Eli Warren.
