Early 19th Century English Regency Rosewood Mother-Of-Pearl Tea Caddy

Description

An elegant fine quality English Regency period tea caddy. Circa 1815

Born in the early 19th century, exquisitely hand-crafted from … more An elegant fine quality English Regency period tea caddy. Circa 1815

Born in the early 19th century, exquisitely hand-crafted from the finest exotic rosewood, rectangular sarcophagus-form case with stunning mother-of-pearl inlay, wooden ring handles, the locking hinged lid top with original key opening to reveal a fitted interior with two removable lidded tea boxes, one box with inlaid B (black tea), the other box with inlaid G (green tea), flanking central opening with glass mixing bowl vessel, carved ornamentation molded skirting, rising on bun feet.

Dimensions: (approx) 8.25"h, 13.25"w, 7.75"d, 5.25lbs

Background/history:
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. 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.

Condition:
A superb example, this remarkable antique tea caddy is in excellent original condition, presents wonderfully, enhanced by warm, rich nicely aged patina. Minor age appropriate wear, including minimal inlay loss, adding to the sophisticated antique character, authenticity, and overall elegant warmth that can only be acquired over long periods of time. less