Trio of Victorian Grocers Tea Caddies

Interesting and decorative set of Three 19th century 'Japanned' tinplate tea canisters of octagonal shape, made for a Victorian Grocery or Tea shop. With the Chinese motifs and lacquer work created by specialist 'japanners' imitating those on the painted wooden boxes of tea that arrived from China in the earlier years of the century, these 3 remaining tin boxes were inevitably part of a larger numbered set that sat decoratively on a Victorian grocer's shelf to attract customers buying the newly popular brew.