Tea Caddy, 1785, London, John Wakelin And William Taylor, 925% Sterling Silver

This stermine silver  Georgian tea caddy was crafted in London in 1785 by silversmiths John Wakelin and William Taylor. Built on an octagonal plan, it features a hinged lid discreetly concealed within its surface, a testament to the high quality of its craftsmanship.

Its engraved decoration alternates between scenes of pagodas and Chinese-inspired landscapes with rocaille motifs, characteristic of the Rococo taste and the Louis XV style. This combination perfectly illustrates the popularity of Chinoiserie, which captivated English high society throughout the 18th century. China, still largely known through porcelain, lacquerware, silks, and travel accounts, fueled a refined and exotic imagination at the time.

In grand English mansions, noble families and the wealthy bourgeoisie eagerly furnished Chinese-style salons decorated with wallpaper, porcelain, and furniture inspired by the Far East. Pavilions and pagodas were also built in parks and gardens, where they sometimes served as places to rest or enjoy tea.

The presence of a lock with a key is a reminder of tea’s great value in the 18th century. Imported from China after a long sea voyage, it was also heavily taxed by the British government. It therefore had to be stored carefully and distributed in small quantities, often under the supervision of the lady of the house, who kept the key.

This lock also held symbolic value: it signaled to visitors that the small box contained a rare and precious commodity. Through its shape, its
It weighs 450 gram.