A  tea caddy of cube form with the top and sides deeply carved depicting trailing oak leaves and acorns.  Circa 1880.

The natural theme of the decoration is enhanced by the rounded  cartouche framing.  

It measures  5.5 inches wide  by 5.5 inches deep and it is  5.5 inches  high: 14cm wide by 14cm deep by 14cm high.

Please click on the images to enlarge

 

This box is featured at figure 390 in our book Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies, and Society -- 1700--1880, ISBN: 0764316885  Antigone Clarke & Joseph O'Kelly, A Schiffer Book for collectors.

The carving is in deep relief in finely grained solid wood --probably poplar. 

The carving is very individual the ground is decorated with a punch.

The relief of the carving on the back is shallower. This may be to have a greater wood thickness for the hinging. 

  Detail of top. The finish is wax which over the years has developed a rich patina.

The inside of the caddy has a tinned ferrous metal liner. 

The lock is missing.