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Tea caddies or tea chests–the decorative boxes that contain canisters – epitomize a whole era of English society. It was the era of decorum, when social repartee attained a delicious peak of theatrical interaction. Tea was served ceremoniously, but not prudishly; it allowed for intrigue, scandal, business, intellectual exchange, and, perhaps most of all, style. Containers of the precious tea leaves were objects of pride. Made by artist cabinetmakers, they reflected the stylistic and cultural developments of the 18th and 19th centuries as well as the idiosyncratic preferences of the commissioning clients. Lord Petersham, of snuff box fame, was one of the Regency-period dandies who elevated the art of affectation to exquisite refinement. He had a selection of tea caddies so he could store his tea leaves according to their character. I find this idea appealing because it gives collecting quirky angle. After all, collecting, which can open up avenues of knowledge and scholarship, must also be fun.
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