Chinese export tea canister, Yongzheng

Code: IB17

A Chinese export tea canister of rectangular shape with white metal lid, and with canted corners, decorated in underglaze blue and dating from the late Kangxi or Yongzheng period. The decoration on the sides of this canister is attractively done with magnolia flowers and scrolls on one side, and a flowering branch on the other. Height to top of lid 11.5cm (4.5”)

Tea was a very fashionable drink at the beginning of the Eighteenth Century when this canister was imported into Europe, and the use of expensive Chinese porcelain to store it showed the status in which tea was held. This is an attractive example.

Dating: late Kangxi or Yongzheng c1720-30

Condition:

There are two chips to the base of the canister, and glaze fritting around the rim (which is commonly seen on these canisters). The original porcelain lid is missing, and the canister has a white metal replacement.  No cracks and no restoration.