Description:

TC427 Tea chest of sarcophagus shape the front and top having a 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. Furthermore they are structured with care. Note the well turned feet and the complex turned solid rosewood loop handles as well as the solid rosewood framing. Circa 1835-40.

Origin: UK

Circa: 1835-1840

Size: It measures  13.2 inches wide  by 7.3 inches deep and it is  7.5 inches  high including feet: 33.5 cm wide by 18.5 cm deep by 19 cm high including feet.

Condition: good original condition, working lock and key

The marquetry on this box draws its inspiration from native plants. The treatment is  formal.

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

 The liftout canisters are inlaid with amboyna.

  The lift out canisters retain some of their original leading

The inside is lined with mahogany.

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)

 The underside of the chest is covered with the original marbled paper. The facings are mahogany with a fillet of solid rosewood.