Red stoneware tea canister

John-Philip and David Elers (active circa 1690-1700)

Curtis Museum and Allen Gallery

1690 - 1698

This red stoneware tea-jar is remarkable in having the original silver cover, which may have been made by the Elers brothers in their capacity as silversmiths. The brothers were silversmiths before they turned to working in stoneware. The tea-jar in this form is the earliest known tea caddy, one of only four to survive in this country. The unusual counter-sunk decoration is in the Chinese taste.

• Medium: stoneware with original silver cover
• Dimensions: 12 cm
• Art Fund Grant: £362 ( Total: £1,450)
• ArtFunded in: 1985
• Vendor: Jonathan Horne Ltd

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