Artist/Maker Daniel Van Voorhis (1751 - 1824)

Tea caddy

ca. 1790

Place madeNew York, New York, United States, North America

Silver

Overall: 4 1/2 × 6 3/8 × 4 3/4 in., 19 oz (troy) 9 dwt (11.4 × 16.2 × 12.1 cm, 605 g)

Gift of Mrs. Waldron Phoenix Belknap Sr.; Collection of Waldron Phoenix Belknap Jr.

1950.343ab

Loose, dried tea leaves were frequently stored in luxurious boxes or caddies displayed on tea tables sometimes equipped with locks that protected against theft by servants and prohibited access even within a household. The sophisticated engraved ornament of this caddy recalls the Neoclassical inlaid motifs that decorated late eighteenth-century furniture, tea trays, and knife cases.

DescriptionOval body with straight sides, seamed down the left side; beaded bands applied around the base and rim; flat, hinged lid with a hinged, bail handle finial applied in the center; octagon engraved around the finial; engraved decorative band around the edge of the lid; bright-cut and engraved decorative bands around the base and below the rim; two circular reserves engraved on each side of the body; front reserve engraved with a swaged shield; chamfered rectangles engraved on the sides with emblems of Cupid and the chase, hanging, crossed horn and bow and arrow over a floral motif; floral swags engraved between the rectangles and the reserves; escutcheon above the front reserve; maker's marks on the base. Silver plated key with a hollow cylinder and loop finial.

MarkingsStamped on base: "D. V. VOORHIS" roman capitals in a rectangle on each side of an American eagle in a square

ProvenanceOriginal owner unknown; to Waldron Phoenix Belknap, Jr. (1899-1949); to his mother, Mrs. Waldron Phoenix Belknap, Sr. (1874-1959), the donor.

ClassificationsSILVER