19th Century English Tunbridge Ware Marquetry Tea Caddy

Description

A well-made antique, circa 1830, English tea caddy with stunning marquetry inlays, warm coloring, superb detailing, and luminous rich patina! … more A well-made antique, circa 1830, English tea caddy with stunning marquetry inlays, warm coloring, superb detailing, and luminous rich patina!

When tea first arrived in Europe in the 17th century it was very much a luxury item (costing 3-6 months of the average wage for a single pound!) and consumed almost exclusively by the upper class. Still of exceptional value in the 18th and 19th century, the type of tea you could afford, plus the vessel you chose to store it in became a great symbol of status.

Exquisitely hand-crafted in the Kent region of England during the first half of the 19th century, the exceptionally executed Tunbridge Ware features a beautiful combination of highly figured burled walnut over the whole, the top and front panel boast spectacular continuous bands of precious exotic woods, geometric parquetry, and marquetry mosaic inlays with the distinctive Tunbridge coloring of rare natural woods which gives a truly great effect.

Rectangular decorative box form, the Regency period / early Victorian era work having a brass hinged locking lid with original operational lock and key, opening to reveal two compartment divided interior, with a receptacle for green tea and one for black tea, surmounted by fitted wooden tops affixed with original pulls, opening to reveal vast remnants of the original metallic foil that lined the two interior chambers, the verso covered in green cloth felt, so it can safely be displayed atop even the finest table, writing desk, glass console, or shelf.

Classic, elegant, and timeless style, meets sophisticated, functional design, this caddy was an ideal vessel for storing the precious commodity, keeping it fresh, while preserving the tea leaves, striving to reduce and eliminate the five most detrimental conditions to tea: light, heat, moisture, odor and air, and of course, since tea was still such an expensive, treasured commodity in those days and so very heavily taxed, it became pertinent for those who could afford tea at home to protect it, and prevent possible wandering hands of employees coming in and out of the office, various house staff, young children, and nosey visitors in the reception room or parlor.

Dimensions: (approx)
4.5" High, 8" Long, 4.75" Deep

Great antique condition, especially considering its age of around 200 years old. Strong and sturdy, it presents splendidly, with rich patina over the whole, enhanced by the original antique character marks, worn distressed finish, luminous sheen, and old touchups and repairs that make European antiques so highly desirable. Nothing that detracts from the display or functionality, but only adds to the cozy elegant warmth, refined rustic sophistication, and charming historical depth that can only be acquired over many years. less