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Antique 18th Century Tea Chest in harewood and burr yew, crossbanded in kingwood. Circa 1790
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Description: 18^th Century Tea Chest in harewood and burr yew, crossbanded in kingwood. Circa 1790
Ref: 741TC http://hygra.com/box/741TC

This Tea Chest is artfully veneered in a combination of woods, which mutually enhance the figure and colour of each other. The striations of the harewood emphasise the dots of the yew and the crossbanding imposes an extra control which strengthens the whole composition.

The interior of the Chest has two lift-out lidded canisters with sliding lids. This is most unusual in a box of such high quality. Lift-out canisters, especially as intricate and complex as the outer box, were usually made for chests with central expensive crystal bowls. This is because the commissioning clients were rich and would have wanted to show that they could afford the extra luxury of the crystal. So why was this exceptionally well made chest made without space for the bowl? The most likely reason is that it was commissioned by a well to do client of impeccable taste, who also had a conscience. By the late 18^th century the anti-slavery movement was beginning to infiltrate even the highest echelons of society and people of wanted to make a point of not using sugar, which came from the slave plantations.
The Chest makes the point all the more emphatically because is of the best possible quality and of impeccable aesthetic merit.

Origin: UK; Circa: 1790; Materials: parquetry of harewood , burr yew, and kingwood on a mahogany carcass.

Size: 20.4 cm wide by 12 cm by 12.5 cm: 8 inches wide by 4.7 inches by 4.9 inches.

Condition: good overall; working lock and key; see images

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All text and images and linked images are © 1999-2013 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