The canister is in the form known at the time as a ‘tea tub’ and was based on the tea chests imported from China which can be seen in trade cards and other contemporary illustrations. The pretence was further enhanced by the use of Chinese calligraphic characters on the sides and the fret pattern of the borders. Chinoiserie objects in all materials (furniture, ceramics, metalwork and textiles) represent a crucial phase in the development of English taste during the 17th to the 19th centuries.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Tea canister, 1768
Date supported
2007
Medium and material
Silver
Dimensions
9.5 x 9.5 x 9.5 cm
Grant
1500
Total cost
6000
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