Antique Boxes at the Sign of the Hygra
2 Middleton Road, London, E8 4BL, UK.
PHONE: 00 44 (0)20 7254 7074
News | Buyingemail Online History of boxes | The Schiffer Book
 

 thumbnail index of tea caddies and chests

Request current  list of available Jewelry boxes.

Request current  list of available tea caddies.

Request current  list of available writing boxes.

writing-boxes

jewelry-boxes 

tea caddies

sewing-boxes

contents

 

Tea and Opium

 

 

A Rare Chinese Export Lacquer tea caddy of oval form with gilt decoration Circa 1780

Please click on images to enlarge or   | slide show  |thumbnail index |

Reference: TC561

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. 

 

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.    Enlarge Picture

Bookmark and Share

 

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

The interior pewter canister.

Please click on images to enlarge or   | slide show  |thumbnail index Request current  list of available tea caddies.

Enlarge Picture

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. 

Enlarge Picture

Please click on images to enlarge

Side view continuing the neoclassical decoration.

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

 

Enlarge Picture

Back view.

Please click on images to enlarge or   | slide show  |thumbnail index | Request current  list of available tea caddies.

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

 

Enlarge Picture

 

Enlarge Picture

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. 

Please click on images to enlarge or   | slide show  |thumbnail index | Request current  list of available tea caddies.

 

Enlarge Picture

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.

Enlarge Picture

 

The interior with the canister removed.

Enlarge Picture

Please click on images to enlarge or   | slide show  |thumbnail index | Request current  list of available tea caddies.

Enlarge Picture

Underside.

 

Enlarge Picture

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

Please click on images to enlarge or   | slide show  |thumbnail index | Request current  list of available tea caddies.

 

All text and images and linked images are © 1999-2011 Antigone Clarke and Joseph O'Kelly. If you require any further information on permitted use, or a licence to republish any material, email us at copyright@hygra.com