Tea Caddy
Owners: Mary and Lydia Bonner, signers of the Edenton Resolves
Materials: Chinese export porcelain
Date: circa 1780–1784
Quick Facts
This elegant porcelain tea caddy was used to store loose tea leaves. It was passed down through the Bonner family and is associated with Mary and Lydia Bonner, who signed the Edenton Resolves in 1774. The caddy likely came into their possession during the following decade.
Historical Context
The Edenton Resolves were one of the earliest organized political actions by American women. Fifty-one women pledged to boycott British goods to support the colonial independence movement. Despite being called the “Edenton Tea Party,” it was not a social event—many women signed the document from home.