Picnic Tea Caddy

This petite ceramic vessel dates to the early 20th century and was used like a water cooler to store and dispense cold beverages such as ice water or rice wine. The ceramic jar has a cylindrical form and boasts a beautifully crackled turquoise drip glaze. Fastened to the front of the vessel is a brass spigot decorated with a dragon head spout and a butterfly lever.

The vessel is mounted within a hardwood box with openings at the front and top. The wooden box features a slatted shelf for the vessel, a shallow drawer, two brass side handles and two perforated ruyi cutouts for ventilation. Originally a Daoist symbol from ancient Chinese mythology, the ruyi is an auspicious symbol that references the lingzhi fungus, also known as reishi, a mushroom with magical properties thought to ensure immortality.

From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.

Additional Dimensions:
Vessel: 6.25"W x 10.25"D x 7"H