A Set of Three Exceptional 19th-Century Toleware Shop Tea Canisters A superb and very decorative set of three 19th-century William IV period English toleware tea canisters, originally used in grocers’ shops to store and display tea. Each canister is of classic rectangular shop form and retains its original domed lid. The fronts are beautifully hand painted with richly detailed chinoiserie scenes and portraits, framed within ornate gilt borders. The deep green japanned ground contrasts wonderfully with the strong colours and gilding, giving the canisters great presence and visual impact. The painted surfaces have developed a lovely, untouched patina, with wear commensurate with age, and remain in very good original condition throughout.Toleware refers to painted and often japanned metalware, and these canisters are typical of the high quality production associated with Pontypool and the Midlands in the 18th and 19th centuries. The finely painted gilt figures, engaged in trade a...