A tea caddy is a dedicated container used to store dry tea leaves securely, protecting them from moisture and light. In the nineteenth century, tea was an expensive commodity, so these boxes were often fitted with locks and internal lids. They range from simple wooden boxes to highly decorative caddies inlaid with contrasting timbers or mother-of-pearl. Many feature internal compartments to separate different varieties of leaf.

What is Tunbridge Ware?

Tunbridge Ware is a distinctive type of decorative woodwork originating from the town of Tunbridge Wells in Kent. Craftsmen assembled thousands of microscopic blocks of naturally coloured wood to create pictorial or geometric mosaics. This technique decorated the lids and panels of tea caddies, work boxes, and card tables. The resulting surfaces depict castles, flowers, or geometric borders using no artificial stains.

How do I care for wooden tea caddies?

Wooden tea caddies require stable environmental conditions away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity changes to prevent the wood from warping. Gentle dusting with a dry, soft cloth preserves the polish without stripping the finish. Application of appropriate paste wax helps maintain the lustre of rosewood or walnut surfaces. Avoid using wet cloths or modern chemical sprays on antique timber and inlaid mosaic work.

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Victorian tea ware brings together the ceremony of the nineteenth-century table through caddies, trays, and kettles crafted to hold and pour with distinction.

19th century

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A Rosewood Domed Top Tea Caddy

From John Beazor Antiques

£1,150

FOR SALE

boxes

Good Quality Burr Walnut and Tunbridge Ware Iinlaid Card Table

19th century

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Good Quality Burr Walnut and Tunbridge Ware Iinlaid Card Table

From John Howkins Antiques

£780

FOR SALE

tables

Decorative Mid C19th Japanese Export Papier-mâché Lacquer Rectangular Tray .

19th century

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Decorative Mid C19th Japanese Export Papier-mâché Lacquer Rectangular Tray .

From M Lees and Sons

£750

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

Beautiful Quality Antique Victorian Carlton Ware Biscuit Barrel

19th century

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Beautiful Quality Antique Victorian Carlton Ware Biscuit Barrel

From Unique Antiques by Emma Jade

£295

FOR SALE

ceramics

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Victorian Tea Ware

A Rosewood Domed Top Tea Caddy

Good Quality Burr Walnut and Tunbridge Ware Iinlaid Card Table

Decorative Mid C19th Japanese Export Papier-mâché Lacquer Rectangular Tray .

Beautiful Quality Antique Victorian Carlton Ware Biscuit Barrel

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