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Description:
Ref: 750TC  http://hibla.com/box/750TC

Tea chest of sarcophagus shape the front and top having a complex marquetry of contrasting amboyna and rosewood, depicting stylized themes from nature. The interior has two lift out canisters and a central cut crystal bowl. Earlier versions like the one here tend to have well made canisters and carefully finished interiors. The tops of the canisters are domed.

Origin: UK ;  Circa: 1840; Materials: Amboyna and Rosewood.

Size:  35 cm wide by 20.5 cm by 18.5 cm:  13.8 inches wide by 8.1  inches by 7.3  inches.

Condition: good overall; working lock and key; see images

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This chest was almost certainly made by the same maker as: TC427

Three quarter view showing the mastery of the second phase of the neoclassical form, which made reference to the perspective of ancient structures such as temples and monuments. 

The main body of the chest narrows in the same way as the view of a monumental structure viewed 
from the ground. 

The top is crowned by a pediment- inspired lid, which in turn is structured like a flat-topped pyramid. The background veneer of the box is amboyna wood 
and the inlay is in rosewood. 

Both these woods are strongly figured, the rosewood in waves and striations, the amboyna in burls. 

The combination of the two timbers is stunning. 

The fine inlay makes good use of the contrast in the woods. It is executed symmetrically with the control of a master craftsman and pays homage to the neoclassical tradition of balance and also of certain motifs such as the palmette and the lotus.

 However the design is of its time and strives to break the constraints of classicism by introducing slightly more naturalistic elements such as the daisies and generally a more flowing and undulating form 
albeit the symmetry. 

Side view with turned handles and feet, showing the sharp lines of the form.

Second side. The feet and narrow base lift the chest up allowing for the shape to show its 
quality.

Open. 
 The inlay continues on the inside of the lid and the domed canisters.
Detail of the interior with the crystal bowl. The whole piece is very well orchestrated 
with no expense spared in maximising its opulent yet elegant effect.

 

 

One of the lids has a “B” made up of stylised small interlocking leaves or husks inlaid in the centre. B stands for Bohea tea.

 The other lid has a “G” inlaid in the same manner for green tea.
The chest shown with the bowl and canisters outside the main box, showing the spaces where 
these pieces fit snugly.

The chest has two liftout canisters and a central cut crystal bowl

The cut crystal  sugar bowl

The cut crystal bowl is also exceptional.  It is probably Irish and and is much the same date as the chest. 

The tax on the weight of materials used in glass manufacturing in England and Scotland did not apply in Ireland until 1825. 

This resulted in the setting up of glassworks in various port towns in Ireland such as Waterford and Cork (1783)

 

Detail showing the elegant way the escutcheon in incorporated within the inlay.

The pyramided top which continues the symmetrical and yet flowing floral inlay.

What attitude: the inlays dance in their floral almost symmetry.  

The complexity of the build. the thinking.

All are in one object. 

Detail of the central top inlay.

The marquetry in rosewood and amboyna is very finely executed.

Underside showing feet and facings. The crack does not affect the structure and it is only perceptible when looking at the box upside down.