Two tea caddies and a mixing caddy 1787

Curator: Tea, seemingly a humble commodity, is freighted with global political significance. What do you make of this piece, these silver tea caddies and mixing caddy from 1787? Editor: They're deceptively simple, aren't they? Crafted from silver in the Baroque style. They feel quite…stark for holding something as delicate as tea. What am I missing here? Curator: Well, think about what tea *represented* in 1787. It wasn't just a beverage, was it? The history of tea is deeply entwined with colonialism, trade imbalances, and exploitation. Tea was a valuable commodity brought from overseas, which meant wealth, status and, of course, exploitation of labour. So how does the form relate to that? Editor: Hmm. Okay, the austere form of the caddies... maybe it reflects a kind of denial, or repression, of the less palatable aspects of the tea trade? Almost like a beautiful façade hiding a grim reality? Curator: Precisely! Consider also who owned objects like these. They speak volumes about class, wealth, and participation in a global system built on inequity. Even the act of mixing tea becomes imbued with significance. These caddies are almost like silent witnesses to a complex and often brutal history. How does knowing this affect your perception? Editor: It's powerful! I initially saw just pretty silver objects. Now, I see these little containers embodying some big, difficult histories and societal dynamics. Curator: It’s a potent reminder that everyday objects can be powerful conduits for understanding larger societal structures. This piece really epitomises that nexus. Editor: Absolutely. Now I won't look at a teacup the same way again!