Worcester Tea Caddy c.1780

A beautifully understated porcelain tea caddy made by Worcester circa 1780.

Decorated with a narrow line of blue approximately two cm above the foot, which is then augmented with gilded foliage.  On the shoulder a wider band of blue also enhanced with gilding.  

Around the main body, gilded single flower heads.   

The cover follows the same pattern but in reverse and in miniature with a wider blue band and gilding around the outer edge and then a narrow blue line closer to the centre,  finishing with the knop in the centre, gilded.

The shape is straight sided but with a slight taper towards the bottom.  Underneath, the base has been turned leaving a square footrim and quite a deep recess. 

The glaze is glassy and good, the gilding is quite good with minor wear. 

The cover does have some damage, a chip to the rim and opposite this a smaller chip and the gilding to the knop is worn.

This is a very nice period piece.  By the regency period of the 1820's onwards, tastes changed and became full of energy, bright colours and complex patterns, contrasting with this late 18th century period of restraint and purity.

Maker's marks:
None

Dimensions:
Approximately 120 mm tall

Weight:
266 g

Age:
245

Condition:
Good condition:  Some minor gilding losses.  The lid has two chips to the rim, and wear to the gilding on the knop

Maker:
First period Worcester