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Description
Extraordinary Specimen wood tea caddy with both tumbling block and VanDyke marquetry, rich French polish highlights the 3D effect of the patterns, lion head side handles, bone escutcheon, turned ebony feet. The interior has a tumbling block panel under the lid, two removable cannisters and glass sugar bowl, working lock and key, English circa 1810.
height: 8 in. 20 cm., width: 12 in. 30.5 cm., depth: 6.5 in. 16.5 cm.
At the beginning of the 19th century a pound of tea cast the equivalent of 3-6 months wages for household workers, so tea was carefully guarded, the key to a caddy was often worn around the waist.
This box is a true celebration of the natural beauty of the woods and the respect with which the craftsman treated his materials; a strong and dignified example.
