Researched and written by Rachel Rabinowitz, Collections Manager and Visitor Services Coordinator, Claire Goode, Living History Specialist, and Teresa Marcus, Community Engagement Coordinator
Let's spill the tea on tea caddies in this object highlight video! Watch the whole series.
In the 18th century tea was a commodity for the wealthy upper classes of society. Tea caddies are designed to store this valuable under lock and key and kept the tea in a dark and cool environment.
While they can be made of many materials, including ivory and tortoise shell, this tea caddy is made of mahogany wood and contains three inner compartments.
More expensive ones can come with elaborate decorations and carvings and are still prized by collectors today.
English Chippendale mahogany wood tea caddy, mid-18th century (1987.02.01). Gift of the London Town Publik House Assembly.
For More Information
About Tea Caddies:
About Tea, Coffee, and Chocolate:
About the Annapolis Tea Party:
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