Tea Caddy c. 1802

This silver Tea Caddy was crafted around 1802 or 1803 by the workshop of Ward, Bartholomew & Trott. The caddy's polished surface creates a play of light and shadow, emphasizing its elegant form. The body of the caddy is cylindrical, capped with a smoothly curved lid, crowned by a finial in the form of a pine cone. Bands of decorative engraving adorn the top and bottom. This ornamentation adds a layer of visual texture that contrasts with the flat surfaces, and complements the monogrammed cartouche that interrupts the central plane. The interplay between utility and adornment raises questions about the cultural status of tea during this period. Notice how the craftsman's meticulous attention to form elevates a functional object into a work of art. This caddy embodies a moment in history when artistry was integrated into everyday life, turning something as simple as storing tea into an expression of refined taste and social identity.