An important George III Tea Caddy modelled as a Tea Chest made in London in 1771 by John Parker I & Edward Wakelin.
An important George III Tea Caddy modelled as a Tea Chest made in London in 1771 by John Parker I & Edward Wakelin.
154148
The Tea Caddy, which is cube shaped in form, is modelled to simulate the chests in which tea was imported from China. The sides are engraved with vertical lines to simulate the planks of the chest and outer bands of attractive pluming scrolls on a scratch engraved ground. Three of the sides are engraved with Chinese characters and the front with a lozenge shaped Armorial, as used by a Lady of the Cottel family, who originated in the West Country. The Arms are surrounded by a tied branch cartouche, with tied ribbons above. The hinged cover displays a magnificent cast floral and foliate finial, most probably modelled as a sprig from a tea plant. These Chests were featured on the trade cards of Eighteenth Century Grocers, such as Chandler and Newsom, tea dealers and grocers.
The Caddy is in excellent condition and is fully marked on the base and with the Sterling Mark on the cover. It is interesting to note that four different specialists were involved in the construction of one square Tea Caddy and the whole process would take up to three weeks to complete. The quality of this piece is outstanding, as would be expected from these silversmiths, who specialised in the production of these chest tea caddies. They had workshops in Panton Street, Haymarket, when this piece was made. Edward Wakelin had been in sole charge of the workshops of the great George Wickes since 1747 and took them over fully, in Panton Street, in 1761.
Height: 3.65 inches, 9.13cm.
Length 3.65 inches, 9.13cm.
Depth: 3.65 inches, 9.13cm.
Weight: 16oz.
Dimensions:
1771
london
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