Tea caddy 19th century

This striking tea caddy was crafted by Shibata Zeshin in Japan. Note the delicate gold motif of grain stalks against the black lacquer, a symbol deeply rooted in agrarian societies, representing fertility and abundance. The grain motif echoes through history, from ancient Egyptian depictions of offerings to their gods, to classical Roman cornucopias, brimming with nature's bounty. In Christian art, wheat appears as a Eucharistic symbol. We see how a simple image transforms over millennia, carrying the weight of each culture's hopes and fears about sustenance. Perhaps, subconsciously, we still yearn for that assured harvest. This caddy reminds us that even in the quiet ritual of tea, we partake in a narrative stretching back to our earliest ancestors, forever seeking nourishment and security.