Two tea caddies, a sugar box and a tea chest

Samuel Courtauld I

1750–51 (teaspoons were made later), Silver, chest covered in shagreen (dyed shark skin), Height: 13.7 cm, Diameter: 8.7 cm.
On long-term loan from AkzoNobel

Tea and coffee were luxury imports, initially consumed in London’s male-only coffee houses. Silversmiths began making beautiful wares for these desirable new drinks when they were introduced into the home.

Photo Ⓒ The Courtauld