This is a Chinese lacquered tea caddy box, octagonal in shape, adorned with intricate hand-painted floral and gilded decorations. It includes two internal tea canisters made of tin or pewter with fitted lids. Inside the lid, there is a seal reading "Griffiths & Co," suggesting it may have been distributed by a historical British or Chinese export company. The exterior design, lacquerwork, and craftsmanship suggest it dates to the late 19th or early 20th century, a period when such tea caddies were popular for storing loose tea leaves.
Historical Context:
Tea caddies like this were essential during the 18th and 19th centuries for preserving the freshness of tea, a highly valued commodity. The decoration on this box reflects the influence of Chinese artistry, which catered to European tastes during the height of the tea trade. Griffiths & Co, as indicated by the seal, was likely a distributor of fine goods, and their name may link this piece to the export trade era.
Condition:
The overall condition is good, with some signs of age and wear:
The lacquer shows minor cracks and surface wear, typical for its age.
The tin canisters are intact, though they display some oxidation and rust.
The interior wood shows splitting, which might slightly impact the value.
Current Market Value:
The value of such a piece depends on its provenance, condition, and market demand:
Auction Estimate: $150 to $300.
Retail Price: $300 to $450 if sold through a reputable antique dealer.
Private Sale: Likely to sell for $150 to $250, depending on buyer interest.
Recommendations for Sale:
To maximize the value:
Lightly clean the surface with a soft, damp cloth to enhance its appearance without damaging the lacquer.
Include details about the "Griffiths & Co" seal, as this adds historical value.
Consider listing it in antique marketplaces or through auction houses specializing in Asian or tea-related antiques.
This tea box appeals to collectors of Chinese export art, tea enthusiasts, or those interested in historical trade artifacts.
That's a nice late Victoria tea caddy, many of them had locks on them as tea was considered a expensive commodity, being exported from India and China. I have a little more information for you about the company. James Griffiths migrated to Australia in 1873 and founded the successful tea business of the same name. The Griffiths Bros Limited (1898-1960s) was located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Registered in Victoria in 1898 as Griffiths Brothers Pty Ltd. The company was re-registered in 1913, and in 1920 was converted to a public company. In the 1960s the business was taken over by the Robur Tea Company Limited. In terms of value, a nice tea caddy like this currently goes at auction in the $300.00- $500.00 range.
Chinese Tea Box
Description:
This is a Chinese lacquered tea caddy box, octagonal in shape, adorned with intricate hand-painted floral and gilded decorations. It includes two internal tea canisters made of tin or pewter with fitted lids. Inside the lid, there is a seal reading "Griffiths & Co," suggesting it may have been distributed by a historical British or Chinese export company. The exterior design, lacquerwork, and craftsmanship suggest it dates to the late 19th or early 20th century, a period when such tea caddies were popular for storing loose tea leaves.
Historical Context:
Tea caddies like this were essential during the 18th and 19th centuries for preserving the freshness of tea, a highly valued commodity. The decoration on this box reflects the influence of Chinese artistry, which catered to European tastes during the height of the tea trade. Griffiths & Co, as indicated by the seal, was likely a distributor of fine goods, and their name may link this piece to the export trade era.
Condition:
The overall condition is good, with some signs of age and wear:
Current Market Value:
The value of such a piece depends on its provenance, condition, and market demand:
Recommendations for Sale:
To maximize the value:
This tea box appeals to collectors of Chinese export art, tea enthusiasts, or those interested in historical trade artifacts.
That's a nice late Victoria…
That's a nice late Victoria tea caddy, many of them had locks on them as tea was considered a expensive commodity, being exported from India and China. I have a little more information for you about the company. James Griffiths migrated to Australia in 1873 and founded the successful tea business of the same name. The Griffiths Bros Limited (1898-1960s) was located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Registered in Victoria in 1898 as Griffiths Brothers Pty Ltd. The company was re-registered in 1913, and in 1920 was converted to a public company. In the 1960s the business was taken over by the Robur Tea Company Limited. In terms of value, a nice tea caddy like this currently goes at auction in the $300.00- $500.00 range.