Vintage Jackson's of Piccadilly tea tin caddy.  Some age related wear.
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Size: 16 cm tall 10 cm round at base.
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This vintage, probably 1950s tea tin, in the shape of a caddy, is by Jacksons of Piccadilly. Jacksons was established over 200 years ago by Robert Jackson. Jackson had a passion for tea. He was enthused by the exotic beverage and using his innovative foresight, Jackson created one of the first preblended teas using the finest quality ingredients in the world.
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Tea, originating in China, boasts a history spanning millennia, evolving from a medicinal concoction to a beloved global beverage. Its journey includes becoming a symbol of social status and a key part of various cultures, including British tea culture.
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Here's a more detailed look at tea's history:
Ancient Origins:
Legend has it that tea's discovery occurred in China around 2737 BC when Emperor Shen Nung, a renowned herbalist, accidentally brewed tea when leaves from a nearby tree fell into his boiling water.
While this is a legend, the first verifiable records of tea drinking are from China's Shang dynasty, where it was consumed as a medicinal drink.
By the 3rd century AD, tea drinking was documented in a medical text written by Chinese physician Hua Tuo.
The tea plant, Camellia sinensis, is native to East Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
Tea's Rise in China:
During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), tea drinking became a popular pastime, moving beyond its medicinal use and becoming a refined part of everyday life.
Teahouses emerged, and tea became a source of artistic inspiration for painters, potters, and poets.
Lu Yu (723-804 AD) wrote the first treatise on tea, "Cha Jing" (Traditions of Tea), which standardized tea preparation and drinking methods.
Tea's Journey to the West:
Tea first became known to the Western world through Portuguese priests and merchants in China during the early 16th century.
In the 17th century, the Dutch and English East India Companies played a crucial role in introducing tea to Europe.
Tea initially arrived in Britain in the 1650s, and by the beginning of the 18th century, tea began to arrive in significant amounts.
Tea's Popularity in Britain:
Tea was initially a luxury item, affordable only by the wealthy.
The Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza, who married King Charles II in 1662, is credited with making tea drinking fashionable among the English court.
The temperance movement in Britain later promoted tea as a healthier alternative to beer.
The rise of Indian tea in the 19th century, which was cheaper and stronger than Chinese tea, further fueled tea's popularity.
By the Victorian era, tea had become the dominant drink for all classes in Britain.
Tea's Global Expansion:
The British East India Company introduced commercial tea production to British India to compete with China's tea monopoly.
Tea cultivation spread to other parts of the world, including India, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), and Taiwan.
The tea trade became a major global industry, with significant economic and cultural impact on various regions.
Modern Tea Culture:
Tea continues to be a beloved beverage worldwide, with various traditions and rituals surrounding its preparation and consumption.
Tea bags became popular in the 1950s, offering a convenient way to brew tea.
Today, tea is enjoyed in countless forms, from traditional black tea to herbal infusions and specialty teas.