Tea canister (one of a pair)
United States
1840-1900
Measurements
5-3/4 in x 3 in (dia)
Materials
Painted and tinned sheet iron
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp
Accession Number
1959.3874
Inscription
"TEA" is stenciled in paint on the front of each canister.
Condition Notes
1959.3874.1 has a “make-do” replacement lid that fits inside the top rather than outside. Its rim has rusted. Paint has faded on both canisters, leaving only the stenciled paint decoration.
Provenance
Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp
Comments
The pair of cylindrical canisters (or caddies) are seamed in the back and have a molded shoulder. The domed lid (missing from .1) fits over the mouth or rim.
Each tea caddy is decorated with a stenciled banner proclaiming “TEA” amid stylized floral decoration. Originally, the canisters were painted black, but all of that paint has deteriorated, leaving only the yellow stenciled paint.
