Antique Victorian Tortoiseshell and Mother of Pearl Tea Caddy with Abalone Inlay and Working Key, England Circa 1850 to 1870
A striking mid 19th century English tea caddy crafted in beautifully figured tortoiseshell and richly inlaid with mother of pearl and abalone shell in an elegant geometric mosaic design. The bombe form body rests on turned feet and is decorated with luminous diamond panels that shimmer with iridescent color against the deep amber tortoiseshell ground.
The hinged lid opens to reveal its original interior fitted with two lidded tortoiseshell tea compartments, each with small bone pulls, retaining its working lock and key. Tea caddies such as this were prized luxury objects in Victorian households, designed to securely store valuable loose leaf tea which was once kept under lock and key due to its high cost.
The combination of tortoiseshell veneer and intricate shell inlay reflects the high level of craftsmanship associated with fine English decorative boxes of the mid Victorian period. The interior patent marking further suggests a patented locking mechanism typical of quality tea caddies produced in England during the 19th century.
Pieces of this caliber, especially those retaining their original fitted interior and functioning key, are increasingly sought after by collectors of English tea wares and fine decorative boxes.
Circa 1850 to 1870
England
Antique Victorian Tortoiseshell and Mother of Pearl Tea Caddy with Abalone Inlay and Working Key, England Circa 1850 to 1870
A striking mid 19th century English tea caddy crafted in beautifully figured tortoiseshell and richly inlaid with mother of pearl and abalone shell in an elegant geometric mosaic design. The bombe form body rests on turned feet and is decorated with luminous diamond panels that shimmer with iridescent color against the deep amber tortoiseshell ground.
The hinged lid opens to reveal its original interior fitted with two lidded tortoiseshell tea compartments, each with small bone pulls, retaining its working lock and key. Tea caddies such as this were prized luxury objects in Victorian households, designed to securely store valuable loose leaf tea which was once kept under lock and key due to its high cost.
The combination of tortoiseshell veneer and intricate shell inlay reflects the high level of craftsmanship associated with fine English decorative boxes of the mid Victorian period. The interior patent marking further suggests a patented locking mechanism typical of quality tea caddies produced in England during the 19th century.
Pieces of this caliber, especially those retaining their original fitted interior and functioning key, are increasingly sought after by collectors of English tea wares and fine decorative boxes.
Circa 1850 to 1870
England