Chinese export lacquer tea chest with scenes of tea trading the interior fitted with metal canisters, circa 1840.

A metal jar shaped tea caddy, covered in straw work. The particularly fine work in geometric patterns is characteristic of early continental work. Such work was executed both by nuns in Catholic orders and lay craftsmen and women. The front and back are decorated with watercolor, and I think ink, pictures and writing both under glass. The back picture depicts a heart with a crown of thorns. The front is of particular historical significance. 

The female figure is that of H. Ioanna. That is Jeanne de Valois, daughter of Louis XI of France and Charlotte of Savoy. Born sickly and deformed, Joanna was married off at nine for political expediency. The marriage was annulled when her husband became King Louis XII. She devoted herself to religious works, one of her lasting legacies being the founding of the Order of the Annonciades.

The writing on the caddy, in old Dutch, is a dedication and a plea to her for protection: “Holy Joanna queen of Vranckriyck and Fendatersse of the holy order of our dear ladies of the Annunciation. Pray for us. Grant us the favors we ask of you especially for Florecyn and Grainol.”

Joanna died in 1505 and was beatified in 1738. In hagiography she is depicted in the same colors as on the caddy, with a small haloed boy by her side. On the caddy however she wears a crown and the shield at her feet bears three fleur-de-lis, the symbol of the kings of France. On the inscription she is given the secular title of Queen, which dates the caddy before her beatification. Taken with the style and the mention of specific names, this caddy must have been an individual commission executed in the Low Countries sometime during the seventeenth century by Annonciades nuns.

 

A tea chest incorporating both inlay and carved elements of decoration. The separate ornament and brass line are typical of early Regency. The carving is more characteristic of late 18th century work. The form of the box too is exceptional in that it combines the Egyptian inspired tapering sarcophagus lines, with three dimensional effects interpreted through carving and slightly curving lines. 

The interior features heavier brass ornament, completing the sense of weightiness which permeates the whole composition. A truly monumental looking piece, very much in the spirit of Egyptian neoclassicism. 13.5" wide. Early 19th century.

 

A caddy veneered all around in pressed tortoiseshell. The design is of a characteristic neo-Gothic   pattern of arched windows sectioned in patterns reminiscent of ecclesiastical structures. 7.5" wide. Mid 19th century.

 

 

Mahogany tea chest, circa 1770.

 

 

Hygra: A Fine Tunbridge Ware tea Chest Circa 1825

 

 

 

Tunbridge ware tea chest with parquetry in various woods, the interior canisters continuing the pattern of the sides, circa 1825.

 

A single tea Georgian caddy in harewood with an oval medallion of a distinctively figured wood fragment, framed by a formal design of delicate foliage, suggesting the Grecian laurel or myrtle wreath.

A restoration conservation project of this single 18th C caddy was discussed. 

for more information on the caddy see:

Hygra: A single tea caddy in harewood with an oval medallion of figured wood Circa 1790.

For more information about the restoration see:

Antique Boxes: Care/ Conservation/ Restoration © 1999-2004 Antigone Clarke and Joseph O'Kelly

Bombe shaped tea chest veneered in walnut, the interior with metal canisters, circa 1760.

 

Glass canister  tea chest at

 

 

http://www.hygra.com/tc2/rwglass.htm

 

A rosewood veneered tea chest of very superior quality, featuring early Regency decoration. The brass inlay is restrained and at the same time robust, featuring straight lines and separate ornament of the Irish shamrock. The box is also edged in brass, strengthening the outline both aesthetically and practically. The feet and handles are of strong neoclassical form. The chest is fitted with heavy crystal canisters and matching bowl. The back is lined in leather, punctuated with silk tufts. This interior arrangement, which was very costly at the time, is rare. 13" wide. Circa 1810.

 

 

Every side of the four lift out canisters has painted flowers painted in exquisite detail.

 

Painted tea chest, the landscape on the top attributable to Horatio McCulloch, circa 1835. The inside profusely painted with pictures of flowers and having four lift-out canisters and two cut-crystal bowls.

 

We have  published an article on the web  telling the story of the boxes made in Cumnock Scotland. This amazing tea chest is illustrated and discussed.

 Boxes Painted by Artists