Hygra: Oval Tea Caddy circa 1795

ANTIQUE BOXES
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Antique Boxes in English Society
1760 -1900
by ANTIGONE
Tea Caddies and Tea

Tea Caddies and Tea

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Oval Tea Caddy circa 1795.

Oval tea caddy veneered in a particularly fine piece of amboyna which shows the sudden transition from a satin figure to a burr.

The oval panels of marquetry, are almost identical to a caddy of the same form and proportions, in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and featured in Gillian Walking's book on Tea Caddies.

The museum example is stamped Gillows of Lancaster.

6" wide.

End of 18th century.

The top is inlaid with a cornucopia of flowers executed in finely engraved subtly shaded woods.

Detail of front showing the fine detail and also the finish which has mellowed into a warm patina.

Inside showing original lining. The carcass wood is beechwood. It is interesting to compare this caddy to Hygra: Oval Tea Caddy circa 1790.

There are similarities of inlay, construction, form, and hardware.

The lid rests on top of the tea when the caddy is full.

For the historical context of this caddy read the relevant part of Antigone's Online Antique Box Book. If you click here you will go there.

We have written a highly illustrated book on Antique Boxes and Tea caddies which is being published by Schiffer Books USA. This tea caddy has been specially photographed for inclusion.