Tea Caddy

Artist John Farnell

CultureEnglish

Date1718-1719

MediumSilver

DimensionsOverall: 4 5/8 x 3 1/8 x 2 in. (11.7 x 7.9 x 5.1 cm)

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number78.83

Not on view

DescriptionSilver tea caddy.

Label TextJohn Farnell English, London (active 1714-29) Tea Caddy, 1718-19 Silver Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 78.83 This simple octagonal tea caddy has a flat top that slides out for filling. The word caddy comes from the Malay term kati, a measurement of weight. As tea was originally sold by the kati, the name came to be applied to the case that contained it. During the eighteenth century, the terms "tea vase" and "cannister" were also used. Exhibition History"Treasures for the Table; Silver from the Chrysler Museum," 6/15-8/6/1989. Published ReferencesEssays by David Revere McFadden, entries by Mark A. Clark, _Treasures for the Table: Silver from the Chrysler Museum_, exh. cat., The Chrysler Museum, Norfolk, Va., 1989, 112-113, no. 78.