An exceptional good  example of a 18th Century mahogany veneered tea caddy with  robust and detailed conch shell inlays. 

This is a  typical design of the last decade of the 18th century although the treatment here with the background of oak leaves is extremely unusual. 

The shell is reminiscent of Britania's then rule of the waves. The oak of strength and stability.

The design is sharply defined and subtly shaded with the hot sand technique on a background of green

This caddy measures 8.7 inches  wide by 5 inches deep by 5  inches high; 22cm wide by 13cm deep by 13cm high.

Please click on the images to enlarge them.

The inside retains significant traces of the original lining. 

The pyramided inner lids would have sat on top of the tea.

The facings are in contrasting light and dark wood giving pleasing thin defining lines when the caddy is shut and extra interest when open.

The inlaid shells  are 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 patterns makes this an excellent example of such marquetry.

 

Having them on the inside is an added treat. 

 The shells on the front and top are  are given an extra dimension by being on an oak leaf background. 

There is also a very subtle edge inlay to the bottom which defines the form