Tea Caddy
PeriodCirca 1780
Place MadeEngland
MediumGlazed earthenware
Dimensions6.63 × 4.81 × 3.5 in. (16.8 × 12.2 × 8.9 cm)
ClassificationsEarthenware
Credit LineGift of J. B. Morris, Jr., 1950
Object number1979.501.249
DescriptionA rectilinear tea caddy in a bright apple green glaze, with a simple cylindrical collar above a molded body. In the center of both sides is a large scrolling cartouche featuring a woman holding a cornucopia filled with flowers. The caddy is missing its original cap.Curatorial RemarksThomas Whieldon founded his factory in 1740 in England. From 1754 to 1759 Whieldon had Josiah Wedgwood as his partner. Whieldon built up an extensive business, making a considerable fortune. In 1780, Whieldon began cutting back on his business hours, and in 1786 became High Sheriff of Staffordshire. Whieldon gave his name to a distinctive type of earthenware in a wide range of colors made possible by using colored clays and staining oxides in the glazes. Whieldon's partner Wedgwood is credited with reintroducing the brilliant apple green glaze once popular during the 16th century. Early Whieldon designs and shapes were heavily influenced by similar silver wares of the same time period.
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