Images(5)

Tea Caddy

Dateca. 1760

OriginEngland, Staffordshire

MediumLead-glazed earthenware (cream-colored earthenware / creamware)

DimensionsOH: 3 13/16"; OL: 3"; OW: 1 15/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, Troy D. Chappell Fund

Object number2022-161

DescriptionTea caddy: press-molded lead-glazed earthenware (creamware / cream-colored earthenware) of vertical rectangular shape with a short cylindrical neck; one side molded with a tea plant and a small banner bearing the phrase “CIA / or TE / herb”; the other side molded with a vining plant and another small banner reading “HerbTeng”. The molded decoration is taken from Johannes Nieuhof’s 17th century publication entitled “An Embassy from the East-India Company of the United Provinces, to the Grand Tartar Cham Emperor of China.” The base of the object is partially unglazed revealing a dry creamware body.
Label TextAlthough originally commissioned by the Dutch East India Company, Johannes Nieuhof’s 17th century publication entitled “An Embassy from the East-India Company of the United Provinces, to the Grand Tartar Cham Emperor of China” was translated into several languages, first appearing in English in 1669. Staffordshire potters working in white salt-glazed stoneware and subsequently in creamware decorated with green glaze and melon- or tortoiseshell-like colors are known to have had access to copies of the publication.

Nieuhof’s book with its 73 plates engraved by Wenceslaus Hollar was a guide to China’s flora, fauna, and architectural landmarks; and those engravings served as design sources for Staffordshire potters and mold makers. This tea caddy bears press molded decoration taken from two of Hollar’s engravings: one side molded with a tea plant and the other with the vining Teng plant (sometimes referred to as Thunder God vine), a medicinal herb often used in traditional Chinese medicine. Copies of Nieuhof’s publication graced prominent 18th century British and American libraries.
MarkingsNone