An exceptional Brazilian Rosewood Tea
Caddy Inlaid with Brass C 1820.
An exceptional Brazilian Rosewood three
compartment Tea Caddy finely inlaid with brass with Irish features. C 1820.
The shape of this caddy combines elements and
influences characteristic of the nineteenth century. It is
structured in an architectural form combining tapered and pyramid
lines which make this caddy a strong statement of the robust and elegant
style of the Regency.
Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia Nigra) is the most prized cabinet
wood of this period. The figuring of the wood in this caddy which
contrasts dark and light striations is particularly striking.
This caddy measures 12.75 inches wide by 6.5 inches deep by 8.
inches high; 32.5cm wide by 16.5cm deep by 20cm high
The brass inlay incorporates the shamrock leaf
which is a distinctive Irish motif.
Detail showing the very subtle engraving in the
rosewood, which has been preserved. This enlivens the composition.
It is extremely rare that this survives.
The caddy has clearly been looked after
carefully and has survived with its original polish which shows
gentle patination.
The brass also is gently patinated without signs of pitting or
corrosion. This is a pristine antique in the true sence.
There is a filet of ebony framing the outlines
of the caddy which gives the shape a definition.
The central compartment has the original heavy
hand blown and cut crystal mixing bowl (see below). The bowl
sits in a specially made recess, which is faced with mitered
and book matched rosewood
The caddy stands on four turned rosewood feet.
The caddy is in very good original condition
and has a working lock.
The escutcheon shows a Celtic influence in the combination of a
strong center and flowing surrounding pattern.
The interior contains two lift out containers
also in rosewood. The lid is lined in rosewood as are the facings
and the bowl holding compartment.
The interior bottom part of the caddy is lined in mahogany which is
edged in rosewood.
The lift out containers are of mahogany construction. The top
visible part is veneered with rosewood.
The original lead lining inside the canisters
is in very good untouched condition.
The caddy stands on turned rosewood feet.
As with the upper edges there is a fillet of ebony let in to
the bottom edge.
This bowl is the original heavy hand blown
crystal mixing bowl.
The bowl like the caddy is in the typical form. This is deeply cut
and has what is known as an Irish foot.
