tea caddy

Summary

Rectangular press-moulded tea caddy of speckled off-white body, with canted corners, recessed foot, flat shoulder and short cylindrical neck. One long side relief-moulded with large flowering teaplant surmounted by long scroll and pendant border, impressed inscription to right of plant reading 'CIA / or (Te) / herb'. Opposite side moulded with smaller leafy plant with vine entwined around one branch, sketchy impressed landscape details in background. Pendant border across top and relief scrol handwritten paper label : base : reference number, notes : 4870 / XK / Tea Tree brought England / 1768 / Tea introduced by / around 1666l to right of plant with impressed inscription 'Herb Te'. Mould lines visible down short sides and across shoulder.