Tea Caddy

Public Domain

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CultureChinese

Titles

Tea Caddy

Datec. 1795–1805

Made inChina, Asia

MediumHard-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding

Dimensions5 5/8 × 3 1/8 × 1 1/2 in. (14.3 × 7.9 × 3.8 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Miss Ima Hogg

Object numberB.55.12.5.A,.B

Current Location

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Music Room

On view

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Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

CERAMICS

DescriptionThroughout the colonial period, Chinese manufacturers made wares specifically designed for Western markets, but it was not until after independence that Americans traded directly with China, and they did so beginning in 1785 as the ship Empress of China returned with its cargo. Made specifically for trade with the newly independent nation, this tea caddy features an eagle adapted from the Great Seal of the United States.
ProvenanceMrs. Frank Seaman, Napanoch, New York, by 1906; [Charles L. Wright, silver buyer, Neiman Marcus, Dallas, Texas]; purchased by Miss Ima Hogg, January 25, 1955; given to MFAH, by 1966.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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