1 8

Holt Antiques at Walsingham Mill

Rare, Large, 18th-Century Chinese Antique Tea Tablet

Rare, Large, 18th-Century Chinese Antique Tea Tablet

£245.00 GBP
£245.00 GBP
Sale Sold
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Trustwave Trusted Commerce
Antique tea tablets, specifically in the form of compressed tea bricks, have a rich history tied to ancient Chinese trading practices. 
They were a common form of tea before the widespread use of loose leaf tea, particularly for trading and preserving tea leaves. These compressed teas were often used as currency and were more durable than loose leaf during transport.
We are delighted to have found a found a rare 18th-Century survivor whilst on our travels around Norfolk!
Provenance -.Unknown.
Condition - Please refer to the detailed images. Despite some age-related surface wear, this displays very well.
Size - 23.5 cm x 18.5 cm x 2 cm (9 1/4" x 7 1/4" x 3/4")
 
A more detailed history about tea tablets:
Early Origins:
  • Ancient China:
    The practice of compressing tea for storage and trade dates back to ancient China. 
  • Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD):
    Tea was a valuable commodity, and compressed tea bricks were a way to preserve it and facilitate trade. 
  • Compressed Tea as Currency:
    In ancient China, compressed tea was sometimes used as a form of currency, especially in remote areas. 
  • Materials:
    Tea bricks were typically made from dried and ground tea leaves, sometimes mixed with binding agents like flour or blood to maintain their form. 
  • Preservation:
    The compression process and binding agents helped preserve the tea's flavor and quality, making it suitable for long-term storage and transport. 
Trade and Cultural Significance:
  • Asian Trade:
    Compressed tea was the preferred form of tea in Asian trade for centuries, as it was compact and less susceptible to damage than loose leaf. 
  • Cultural Significance:
    Tea drinking became a central part of Chinese culture, and compressed tea played a role in that tradition.
  • Western Influence:
    The British, who adopted the practice of drinking tea from the Chinese, also imported compressed tea and even developed their own tea chests and caddies to store and display it. 
  • Tea Houses:
    Tea houses, where people gathered to enjoy tea and socialize, were also a part of the cultural landscape, and they often used compressed tea as well. 
Transition to Loose Leaf Tea:
  • 19th Century:
    As transportation and storage methods improved, loose leaf tea became more common, and compressed tea bricks gradually declined in popularity.
  • Shift in Trade:
    The shift from compressed tea to loose leaf reflected changes in trade practices and tea consumption habits.
  • Modern Tea:
    Today, while compressed tea is still made and enjoyed, it's not as prevalent as loose leaf tea, which is now the dominant form of tea consumed globally.
     

We ship worldwide! You can buy with 100% confidence too!

We are a member of the following 4 Professional Institutions:

1. LAPADA (London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association) –  LAPADA is the UK’s largest trade association for professional art & antique dealers (representing approximately 500 UK dealer members). All items are backed by our LAPADA guarantee;

2. CINOA –Confédération Internationale des Négociants en Oeuvres d'Art, (or International Confederation of Art and Antique Dealers' Associations) is the world association of art & antique dealer associations (representing 5000 dealers from 32 associations in 22 countries);

3. The Norfolk & Suffolk Antique Dealers Association - Representing reputable, high quality antiques dealers based in Norfolk and Suffolk; and

4. FSB - Federation of Small Business.

Wish to purchase this item?

1. Buy online via this website; OR

2. Tel: 00 44 7551 383897 (line open 9.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Saturday UK time) where we can take payment over the phone.

Want further information about an item?

1. Email us via this website; OR

2. Email us via:
info@holtantiquefurniture.com 

We will aim to respond and make contact with you within 24 hours of receipt of your enquiry.

View full details