Tea Caddy c. 1740

This tea caddy was produced by the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. The little scenes decorating the sides are picturesque harborscapes that evoke the romance of international trade. Of course, tea itself was a commodity that traveled these sea routes. Made in Germany, this caddy reflects Europe’s growing enthusiasm for tea during the 18th century. Tea drinking became a social ritual, and fashionable society demanded refined objects for preparing and serving tea. Meissen porcelain was at the forefront of this trend, producing wares of the highest quality. The manufactory itself had been founded by the King of Poland and Elector of Saxony, Augustus the Strong, as part of his vision to transform Dresden into a European center for luxury goods. To understand this object fully, we might consult historical trade records, social etiquette manuals, and the Meissen factory’s own archives. Art history reveals how taste is shaped by economic, social, and political forces.