Description:
TC600: A very fine penwork tea chest, of elongated octagonal form, the penwork depicting scenes from the Silk Road. Inside there are two lift out tea canisters and a cut glass Irish sugar bowl.This is a truly stunning artwork. Although at first sight it appears to comply with the conventions of floral and Chinoiserie decoration, the arrangement and execution show the workings of a truly original mind.
In such work the larger panels are usually reserved for the main narrative scene, with the frieze decorated with floral or symmetrical designs. Here, the main body is painted with robust flora and the frieze is painted with figures in landscapes. The scale being long and narrow suggests a long road and implies a journey through the countries of the East: "The Silk Road".The floral decoration draws on a multiplicity of traditions.
The composition is symmetrically arranged and it features acanthus leaves making reference to neoclassicism. There is however a richness and exuberance in the flowers bursts through the restraints of neoclassicism.
The details and sumptuousness of the flowers are reminiscent of 16th century European embroideries. The centre is punctuated by a shell, suggesting both nature and classicism.
A classical looking vessel holds another shell which forms the escutcheon. This is not symmetrical, with a hint at rococo. It is a witty and whimsical way to mark the centre of the panel and create a keyhole.
Origin: UK; Circa 1820: Materials: Maple, mahogany, glass.
Size: It measures 12.1 inches wide by 6.2 inches deep and it is 6.4 inches high including feet: 30.8 cm wide by 15.7 cm deep by 16.2 cm high.
Condition: good overall, working lock and key, see images. There is a question about one of the lift out canisters. The penwork is exquisite!.
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.
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