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Antique Mid 18th Century Tea Chest constructed from elements of veneering from early 18th C.
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Ref: 751TC
http://hygra.com/box/751TC

Mid 18^th century Tea Chest constructed from recycled elements salvaged from an early 18^th century piece of furniture or large box.
This is a very rare example of a piece made using earlier panels of woodwork. This practice was adopted during the second half of the 18^th century, not as one would now imagine by lesser cabinet makers, but by prominent master- craftsmen, who appreciated, respected and wished to preserve fragments of work which survived fire or other damage. The partnership of William Ince and John Mayhew (1758-1804), one of the most significant firms of the period, pioneered the combination of early marquetry and new work.
The Tea Chest is of mahogany veneered with saw-cut burr walnut and stands on stepped feet. There is a wavy line of a veneer inset in the centre, attesting to the nature of the work, that is the re-use of partly damaged material. Walnut was popular in the earlier part of the 18^th century. Most quality furniture of the Queen Anne period was veneered in richly figured walnut. The Chest is framed in a thick line of mahogany. The escutcheon and handle are made of brass and are typical of the third quarter of the 18^th century.
Side view showing a part of a star design enclosed in part of a circle, executed in fruitwood and mahogany. This design was found in the early 17 hundreds on furniture, especially bookcase pediments.
The back is in mahogany. Most likely the craftsman had no more walnut- veneered panels. The feet are not rounded like the front feet but straight. There is no evidence that they were altered since the Chest was made. Right at the bottom the wood is joined by another piece. Again this must have been done at the time as the fillet has aged in the same way as the rest of the wood and it is only perceptible under very close scrutiny.
The other side with again, part of the star motif inserted. The side of the lid is veneered in two pieces of mahogany, attesting once again to the shortage of walnut.
The top is beautifully figured. There are two old cracks and a tiny repair adjoining the crack on the narrower section.
The inside lid is covered in old green cloth.
The interior spaces made to hold containers are now empty.

Origin: UK; Circa: 1750; Materials: walnut and mahogany on a mahogany carcass.

Size: 27cm wide by 14.5 cm by 14cm: 10.6 inches wide by 5.7 inches by 4.17 inches.

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

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All text and images and linked images are © 1999-2014 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