Antique Maracaibo Tea Caddy Hand-Painted Tin Toleware Scenic Front

Details

Description

Striking antique tin tea caddy featuring bold MARACAIBO branding and a richly colored scenic figural panel on the front. Constructed … Read more Striking antique tin tea caddy featuring bold MARACAIBO branding and a richly colored scenic figural panel on the front. Constructed of hand-formed tin with folded seams, original painted decoration, and a domed lid topped with its original white porcelain pull. This is a classic 19th-century tea caddy form, designed for the storage and display of imported tea, with packaging intended to impress as much as to protect. The front panel depicts an Orientalist-style interior scene, typical of late 1800s tea and coffee trade imagery. The red ground with gilt and black detailing has a substantial visual impact even with heavy, honest wear. The side panels retain their rivet-like decorative dots, and the back remains plain and dark, as expected.

This piece has not been restored or repainted. The surface wear, paint loss, and oxidation are consistent with age and use and are exactly what collectors and decorators look for in authentic toleware. The front panel depicts an Orientalist-style interior scene, typical of late 1800s tea and coffee trade imagery.

This piece has not been restored or repainted. The surface wear, paint loss, and oxidation are consistent with age and use and are exactly what collectors and decorators look for in authentic toleware.
13.5 inches wide

5.5 inches deep

19 inches tall

Condition
Heavily worn antique condition. Significant paint loss, surface oxidation, scattered scratches, and wear throughout. Interior shows age-related discoloration. Lid opens and closes properly. Porcelain knob intact with age wear. No structural breaks noted. Displays beautifully. Likely late 19th century (circa 1870–1890). “Maracaibo” refers to the Venezuelan port city historically associated with coffee and trade goods; the name was frequently used for imported products regardless of actual origin, a common marketing practice of the era See less