During the 18th and 19th centuries, it was fashionable amongst the French upper classes to take tea in the evening with friends or to host an afternoon tea party, occasions that called for larger and more impressive tea caddies. This example is made from thuya wood, an expensive material from the coniferous tree Tetraclinis articulata, which has a decorative mottled appearance. It is also fitted with opulent gilt-copper mounts depicting hunting trophies. Such masculine iconography may indicate that this tea caddy was made to appeal to a wealthy gentleman.
