Tea caddy 1708 - 1725

This tea caddy was made by the Meissen Manufactory. The caddy is made from porcelain, a high-status material in the 18th century, its pale surface decorated with sprigged relief. To achieve this effect, liquid clay was pressed into a mold, which was then applied to the main body of the vessel before firing. The high level of control required for this process speaks to the skill of the Meissen artisans. Note how the form itself is essentially a series of facets, like a cut gemstone. These are softened by the gentle curve of the porcelain, giving the caddy an almost organic quality, further emphasized by the leafy decoration. This object exemplifies how the aesthetic of luxury goods is inextricable from the labor required to produce them. Appreciating the art of this tea caddy means understanding its materials, making, and historical context.