{"title":"Tea Caddies","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"antique-victorian-tortoiseshell-and-mother-of-pearl-tea-caddy-with-abalone-inlay-and-working-key-england-circa-1850-to-1870","title":"Antique Victorian Tortoiseshell and Mother of Pearl Tea Caddy with Abalone Inlay and Working Key, England Circa 1850 to 1870","description":"\u003cp\u003eAntique Victorian Tortoiseshell and Mother of Pearl Tea Caddy with Abalone Inlay and Working Key, England Circa 1850 to 1870\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePieces 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCirca 1850 to 1870\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEngland\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sarah \u0026 Elijah Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44181999845436,"sku":null,"price":4395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0587\/4827\/2700\/files\/IMG_8119.jpg?v=1775695175"},{"product_id":"early-19th-century-english-tortoiseshell-and-mother-of-pearl-tea-caddy-circa-1820-1840","title":"Early 19th Century English Tortoiseshell and Mother of Pearl Tea Caddy circa 1820-1840","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eEarly 19th Century English Tortoiseshell and Mother of Pearl Tea Caddy Circa 1820-1840\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn exceptional early 19th century tea caddy, richly veneered in luminous tortoiseshell and adorned with finely cut mother of pearl panels across the facade and lid. The form is architectural and sculptural, with a stepped top and softly contoured bombe shape that reflects the refined design sensibilities of the Georgian period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interplay between the deep amber tones of the tortoiseshell and the iridescent glow of the mother of pearl creates a striking visual contrast, catching light in a way that feels both dramatic and elegant. Every angle offers depth, movement, and craftsmanship that is increasingly difficult to find.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interior opens to its original double compartment configuration, traditionally used to house two varieties of loose leaf tea, each with its own fitted lid and mother of pearl handle. The underside of the lid retains its original velvet lining in a rich plum tone, adding to the warmth and presence of the piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetaining its original escutcheon and key, though the lock mechanism may no longer be in working order. Age appropriate wear throughout, including areas of veneer loss, lifting, and interior wear consistent with time and use. Despite this, the piece remains structurally sound and visually commanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTea caddies of this caliber were once symbols of status and refinement, used to store one of the most valuable commodities in the home. Today, it stands as both a collector’s object and a statement piece, equally at home in a curated interior or alongside a serious collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA rare and highly decorative example that speaks to both craftsmanship and history.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sarah \u0026 Elijah Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44182077014076,"sku":null,"price":5425.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0587\/4827\/2700\/files\/IMG_8163.jpg?v=1775698134"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.sarahandelijahantiques.com\/collections\/tea-caddies.oembed","provider":"Sarah \u0026 Elijah Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}