A rare Napoleonic Prisoner of war straw work single compartment tea caddy hiving a top gilt brass drop handle on the top. 

Although perhaps too frail now for robust use these wonderful boxes have a great period look and are well worth treasuring and enjoying for their sheer beauty.

For more information about straw work follow the link below:
18th and 19th Century Boxes, Style Materials and Methods © 1999 Antigone Clarke and Joseph O'Kelly

This chest measures  4.6 inches  wide by 3.5 inches deep by 5  inches high; 10.7cm wide by 9cm deep by 12.7cm high.

Detail: The top has a gilt brass drop handle.

Straw work caddies like this were made in England in the early part of the 19^th century by Napoleonic prisoners of war. By making and selling these boxes the prisoners were able to improve their living conditions. The boxes were made out of inexpensive pine, which was then covered in pictures and/or geometric patterns as here, created by natural and died pieces of straw assembled at different angles to maximize light values. This delicate work required both considerable skill and patience.

The inside with an internal lid. the top and the lid are lined with straw work of different colors.

Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies, and Society -- 1700--1880, ISBN: 0764316885  Antigone Clarke & Joseph O'Kelly, A Schiffer Book for collectors

Detail inside.

Inside the caddy is lined with lead which is still in very good condition.