What is a sarcophagus tea chest?

A sarcophagus tea chest is a lidded container modeled after ancient tomb shapes, designed to store valuable loose leaf tea safely in the home. These pieces belong to the Georgian, Regency, and Victorian periods, serving both a functional storage role and a decorative purpose in elite drawing rooms.

How were these chests used?

Households used these chests to store precious tea leaves under lock and key, as tea was a costly commodity traded from afar. The host typically kept the key, opening the chest in the drawing room to measure out leaves into a mixing bowl before brewing.

How do I date a tea chest?

Dating relies upon examining the prevailing architectural styles, timber choices, and construction methods visible in the piece. Regency examples often feature brass inlay and rosewood veneers, whereas earlier Georgian pieces favour solid mahogany.

What goes inside the compartments?

The interior typically contains two or three lidded canisters for black and green teas, alongside a central space for a glass mixing bowl. Many examples also incorporate secret drawers beneath the canisters for storing spoons, sugar nippers, or keys.

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A sarcophagus tea chest is a substantial lidded box designed to store loose leaf tea, embodying the classical architectural lines of a burial monument.

18th century

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Georgian Tea Caddy

From James Reeve (Quinneys of Warwick)

£275

3+ MONTHS AGO

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19th century

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Tea Caddy

From Carlton House Antiques

£250

3+ MONTHS AGO

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William IV Period, Circa 1830 Wonderful Large Rosewood Tea Caddy Box or Chest with Beautiful Mother of Pearl Bird and Foliate Inlay.

19th century

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William IV Period, Circa 1830 Wonderful Large Rosewood Tea Caddy Box or Chest with Beautiful Mother of Pearl Bird and Foliate Inlay.

From Serpentine Antiques

£595

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Sarcophagus Tea Chest

Georgian Tea Caddy

Tea Caddy

William IV Period, Circa 1830 Wonderful Large Rosewood Tea Caddy Box or Chest with Beautiful Mother of Pearl Bird and Foliate Inlay.

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