An exceptional 19th Century Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy with Ivory Bun feet, retaining its original lead foil lining, interior lid and in good condition. However, it is missing the original lock and key, the silver escheuton is still in good condition. H:4" W:5" D:3 1/4" A tea caddy is a box, jar, canister or other receptacle for tea. The word is believed to be derived from catty, the Chinese pound. The earliest examples that came to Europe were of Chinese porcelain, and approximated in shape to the ginger-jar. They had lids or stoppers likewise of china, and were most frequently blue and white. The English kilns at first imitated them, but speedily devised forms and ornament of their own, and there was hardly a ceramic factory in the country which did not compete for the supply of the new fashion. But tea caddies were not for long confined to procelain or faience. They were presently made in a great variety of materials, and in an equal variety of shapes. Wood, pewter, tortoise-shell, brass, copper and even silver were employed, but in the end the material most frequently used was wood, and there still survive vast numbers of Georgian box-shaped caddies in mahogany, rosewood, satin-wood and other choice timbers, often mounted in brass and delicately inlaid, with knobs of ivory, ebony or silver. The truth is that this wonderful work, with its engraved or inlaid designs; its myriads of tiny pieces of ivory and tortoiseshell, all kept together with glue and tiny chased nails, and applied very often to a rather soft, white wood, is not meet to withstand the ravages of time and the variations of the atmosphere. This particular tea caddy retains the original lining of the caddy, interior lid and the ivory feet, this is an exceptional piece for any collector and a beautiful form and color. Located in the heart of Summerland, California, Lifestyle Antiques & Interiors offers the finest high-end Antiques, Decorative Arts, and Home Furnishings on the South Coast. We feature a rich collection from Europe, specializing in Italian Furniture, French and Spanish. The elegant collection varies from antique and Murano lamps, decorative pillows, Chandeliers, Mirrors and a fine selection of home furnishings. Just 3 minutes south of Santa Barbara. For your convenience you may shop on line: www.lifestyleantiques.com .

Decorative Interior
Antique Boxes & Caddies