Antique Silver Caddy Box

Object Description

A fine antique silver tea caddy of rectangular form having a side hinged lid and integral feet. The sides and top have embossed scenes of chinoiserie decoration with finely engraved detail.

Weight 366 grams, 11.7 troy ounces.
Height 16cm. Body measurements at maximum – width 9.2cm, depth 8cm.
London 1761.
Maker Emick Romer.
Sterling silver.

Marks. Stamped underneath with a full set of English silver hallmarks, lion, date letter and maker’s mark under the lid.

Chinoiserie. The popularity of Chinoiserie emerged in the late 17th century as Europe became fascinated with the exotic East. Silverware of normal European forms was decorated with charming scenes representing Chinamen, birds and Chinese landscapes. The attraction of this silverware has continued in popularity across the centuries with many developments in the chinoiserie style decoration.

Read our article on Chinoiserie Silver

Maker: Emick Romer

Emick Romer, son of Michel Michelson Romer goldsmith of Oslo in Norway. Emick lived in Bragernaes and was apprenticed in 1749. It is thought that that Emick left Norway some time after 1751 and the mark attributed to him was entered after 1758. Romer appears to have been supplying sugar and cream baskets to Parkin and Wakelin 1770-1 and his mark appears on a number of pierced epergnes circa 1765-75.

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Object Literature

A Tea Caddy is a box, jar, canister, or other receptacle used to store tea. The word is believed to be derived from “catty”, the Chinese pound, equal to about a pound and a third avoirdupois. The earliest examples that came to Europe were Chinese tea canisters in blue and white porcelain with china lids or stoppers. Tea in the early 18th Century was expensive, and also there was a tax on tea, so early tea caddies were small and made in precious materials such as silver, shagreen or tortoiseshell which reflected the valuable contents within.

Object Condition

This mid 18th century silver box is in very good condition. The hinge works well. Moderate signs of wear commensurate with age.

Object Details