Gorham Antique Copper and Applied Silver Tea Caddy, Providence, RI, 1880

A silver figure of a mouse curiously trying to find its way into your tea stands upon the removable, hammered copper cover.

Shaped like a small ginger jar, the body is wrapped in flat silver wire textured as rattan and has two wonderful handles. The contrast between the silver elements and the beautiful hammered copper luster is just stunning.

For a brief period during the aesthetic movement, Gorham made some rare and wonderfully whimsical trompe l'oeil pieces - this is a delightful example.

Provenance: Private Collection, MA

This lovely tea caddy is marked underneath with the anchor mark used on copper wares and 'GORHAM CO/ 160/ M'. It measures 3.75 inches wide by 4 inches high and is in excellent antique condition.