Tea caddy and lid

Date1765-1775

MediumEarthenware, lead-glazed, creamware with green

DimensionsOverall: 4 9/16in. (11.6cm)

Credit LineGift of Mr. Harry H. Coon

Object number2005-151,A&B

DescriptionTea caddy with rounded rectangular body molded to resemble the leaves and florets of a cauliflower. The exterior is ornamented with four green-glazed leaves beneath white florets on the shoulder and cylindrical cover. The lid is likely a replacement and probably a later piece.
Label TextNaturalism was an important theme echoed in the decorative arts of the mid-eighteenth century. This fascination with nature was reflected in the types of ceramic wares produced throughout England. Staffordshire potters produced molded tea wares made to mimic the natural world including the coloration of tortoise shell, the look of agate stone, and many fruits and vegetables including cauliflower. This tea caddy was made en suite with other cauliflower tea wares. Tea caddies were used at the table so that additional pots of tea could be brewed by the lady of the house, or whoever was presiding over the tea table.

The green of the leaves was produced through the addition of copper oxide to the surface of the caddy and the white of the florets is the natural color of the refined earthenware clay. The entire body is coated in a lead glaze. Iron impurities in the glaze cause the white clay to have a yellowish cast.
ProvenanceHarry H. Coon Collection
Purchased from David Newbon, London, England