Mark Goodger Antiques Newsletter February 27th 2024

It’s safe to say this week’s newsletter is a slightly longer instalment than our typical one so grab a cuppa and hopefully you enjoy the read.

We are fast approaching this year’s Cotswolds Antique Dealer Association fair which has changed venue from the previous few years. This year the fair will be heading south to Chelsea in London and for those long time subscribers you will recognise the familiar venue on Kings Road, the Old Town Hall. Hard copy tickets have been rolled out and complimentary e-tickets are available on the website and will be throughout the duration of the fair. Please click the event at the bottom of the newsletter to download them.

This week after several months negotiations we have the privilege of announcing that one of our Tea Chests has been purchased by the French East India Company Museum which is located in Lorient, South Brittany, France. The Tea Chest purchased was the rare example Anglo-Indian Vizagapatam Tea Chest containing three sterling silver containers, two tea caddies, one sugar jar and a mote spoon. The sterling silver is hallmarked by London Silversmith Pierre Gillois and dated to the middle of the 18th century. 

The significants of the Anglo-Indian Tea Chest ties British Colonial rule from the middle of the 18th century with Indian influence in both craftsmanship and material. The Tea Chest, made from padouk wood is extensively inlaid with intricate bone and ivory decoration to the exterior featuring heavily carved gradient floral arrangements in various forms. It is finished with a Gandaberunda escutcheon which is a two-headed bird representing a form of the Hindu god Vishnu as Narasimh.

As demand for Tea within Europe strengthened during the latter 16th century contrary to belief, the UK was one of the last countries to establish the import of Tea. Tea did not officially reach the UK until the East India Company began to import tea to Britain placing its first order in 1664. However, high taxes on black and green tea meant that social tea drinking could only be afforded by the wealthier classes and with that in mind, a cup of tea initially became an activity associated with nobility in the luxury market only. 

The East India Company had a monopoly on the UK’s tea imports and by the 18th Century the popularity of tea had grown so much that the entire country wanted a taste. The only downside being that it was still far too expensive for ordinary customers, but that didn’t mean giving up yet. Brits love for the newly founded hot drink was so strong that smugglers began bringing it into the country illegally to avoid the steep import charges and therefore high cost. Tea was in such demand that the amount smuggled in yearly was significantly higher than what was imported legally.

Eventually, William Pitt the Younger slashed the tea tax from 119% to 12.5% when he became Prime Minister in 1783. That virtually relinquished the illegal smuggling trade overnight. With a reduced rate of tax, consumption of tea skyrocketed and revenue grew to a higher level than before the tax was reduced.

The above Tea Chest is a superb example of British and Indian partnership during the 18th century in the height of the newly founded tea trade and we are proud to say that it has made its way to a museum where it will be part of history well into the future.

For those intrigued by the “Mote Spoon”, here’s a brief description from our website. “A Mote Spoon, a multi-use spoon with a perforated bowl and spiked end often made from Silver. A Mote spoon’s primary use was to collect tea from a cup and act as a sieve leaving the water behind and collecting the loose leaf. The secondary use was to unblock the spout of a teapot with a sharp end. Moat spoons themselves are relatively rare.”

A quote from the museums website “The museum of the French East India Company in Port-Louis, retraces the history and adventure of this exotic international trade in Lorient by means of magnificent period pieces and reconstructions. With a wide range of collections, the museum brings you on a journey to understand the history of the trading companies, and the development of the town of Lorient and its port. You will also discover the life of the crews and navigation on board the ships of the East India Company.  The activity of the various merchants and the goods transported are also on display.”

In celebration of the museum sale we are offering a free copy of “The Story of British Tea Chests and Caddies: Social History and Decorative Techniques” to anyone who purchases a Tea Caddy between now and our next newsletter. These illustrious in-depth books contain everything there is to know about  

Our 25th Anniversary Catalogue is live on our website containing a stunning collection of curated objects throughout our entire range. Please click on the cover image below to view an online version of our catalogue. If you have any questions please contact us directly via email here. 

Complimentary tickets will be uploaded to our events page on our website once they become available. Please click on the banner for your chosen event below to access the event page on our website.

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