A single compartment harewood tea caddy edged with boxwood and inlaid with oval marquetry medallions depicting a conch shell to the top and holly leaves  to the front. Circa 1790.

The shell is reminiscent of Britannia's then rule of the waves. 

The design is sharply defined and subtly shaded with the hot sand technique.

Holly is an unusual subject.

 

It measures 4.3 inches wide  by  3.5 inches deep and it is 4 inches  high including feet: 11 cm wide by 9 cm deep by 10 cm high.

 The inlay is shaded with the hot sand    method which darkens the light wood without the need of stain. This gives a more natural and subtle result.  

The detailed cutting of the pattern makes this an excellent example of such marquetry.

The caddy retains much of its original varnish.

The inside has been relined with blue paper. There is the remnants of the original leading  underneath.