Tea caddy with a green brown glaze

About this artwork

…; collection of Herman Karel Westendorp (1868-1941), Amsterdam, 1941;{Note RMA.} his widow Betsy Westendorp-Osieck (1880-1968), Amsterdam, by whom bequeathed to the Vereniging van Vrienden der Aziatische Kunst, 1968;{note RMA.} from whom on loan to the museum, 1972

Art Historical Context

This elegant tea caddy, standing just 7.2 centimeters tall, dates from the nineteenth century and was crafted using the ancient technique of turning, or wheel-throwing. The anonymous maker applied a subtle green-brown glaze that enhances the vessel’s modest form, creating a harmonious surface suited to daily use. Such small containers were essential for preserving the freshness of tea leaves, reflecting the importance of tea in social and domestic rituals across Asia during this period. Although the artist remains unknown, the caddy’s refined simplicity speaks to a long tradition of functiona...