Description:
TC561: Rare 18th Century Chinese Export lacquer tea caddy of over form with gilded decoration. Inside there is a lidded pewter tea canister. Circa 1780.

Origin: China Circa: 1770 Materials: lacquer on wood.

 

Size: It measures 5.7 inches wide  by 4  inches deep and it is  inches 4.5  high: 14.5 cm wide by 10.2 cm deep by 11.5 cm high.

Condition: good overall,  working lock and key,  see images.
As each person has different criteria and antiques by their very nature have wear  please enlarge the images and ask for extra information as needed. 

The interior pewter canister.

This export lacquer caddy is decorated in the European neoclassical tradition. The gold painting is arranged symmetrically the escutcheon is integrated within the decoration and the branches are painted in the stylised classical manner.

It is very rare to see Chinese lacquer decorated in such a manner. This is the strongest example I have ever come across, especially in a caddy. The small oval form is also rare in a Chinese caddy. This is a very early example, most probably commissioned by one of the early diplomats or artists who traveled to China.

It is a strong contender for one of the rarest caddies ever made.   

The painting in gold is finely executed and considering its age and the delicate nature of the medium it survives well. 

Side view continuing the neoclassical decoration.

Back view.

There is some chipping to the lacquer on the upper edge..  In my view this should not be restored.

Caddy open with pewter canister. The canister too is not in the usual engraved Chinese tradition. It is plain, in harmony with the austere neoclassical decoration.

It is also of a heavier gauge metal than usual. 

The caddy has a  raised lip. 

A raised lip was also used in oval wooden  tea  caddies of the period manufactured in England, but it is not a feature found in Chinese caddies. 

The top of the lid with the lock catch.

The interior with the canister removed.

Underside.

The top shows more signs of wear but fortunately it has escaped inappropriate restoration.