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DS2005-0224 shown: 1991-639 on left 1954-330,A-C at center and 2005-107 (L) on right
Tea canister, cover, and insert
DS2005-0224 shown: 1991-639 on left 1954-330,A-C at center and 2005-107 (L) on right

Tea canister, cover, and insert

Date1719-1720
Maker John Gibbon
OriginEngland, London
MediumSilver (Britannia)
DimensionsOH: 4 13/16"; L(base): approx. 3 3/8"; W (base): approx. 2 1/4"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1954-330,A-C
DescriptionTea canister, cover and insert: cast ball finial surmounting domed top of circular cover with drawn and applied multiple molding at base of dome and incised molding at base of short straight sides; sides of cover fitting over bezel in center of sliding top of body of rectangular plan with canted corners; vertically standing rectangular body with canted corners; molding at top of body above curved shoulder with slot accommodating sliding top; applied convex baseband with fillet molding above and molded edge.
Label TextTea canisters, which joined the tea equipage in the late seventeenth century, vary greatly in design. Early types tend to be of polygonal form, with this being the most common pattern between 1710 and 1730. Canisters of this type are usually fitted with sliding covers to facilitate filling. Their domed, pull off caps may have been used to measure the tea.

InscribedOwners' initials (M T over E B) engraved on underside of base
MarkingsBritannia standard. Maker's mark "Gi" in block letters with a sunburst above within a conforming reserve, lion's head erased, Britannia, and date letter on face of body above base. Maker's mark and lion's head erased on face of sliding top of body. "Mt/EB"- block letter
ProvenanceVendor: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.