Description:
Penwork Caddy with Quirky Decoration of European and Exotic Fusion. Circa 1820.

Origin: United Kingdom

Circa: 1820.

Materials: Maple decorated with penwork, gilded brass 

Size: It measures 12 inches wide  by  5.2 inches deep and it is  7.3 inches  high: 30.5 cm wide by 13.1 cm deep by 18.5 cm high.

Condition: Good overall, Retains its original varnish, working lock with replacement key.

The caddy is of subtle sarcophagus form and stands on original brass feet. The sides are decorated in bands of flowers, which although stylized, they also include a naturalistic flowing element. This is characteristic of the period: neoclassicism was still an integral part of the decorative tradition, but naturalism was beginning to soften the lines and liven the rigidity of some of the earlier motifs. It is still a long way from Victorian over indulgence in sugary prettiness.

The interior opens to an original bowl and canisters also decorated in penwork.

The sides are decorated in bands of flowers, which although stylized, they also include a naturalistic flowing element. This is characteristic of the period: neoclassicism was still an integral part of the decorative tradition, but naturalism was beginning to soften the lines and liven the rigidity of some of the earlier motifs. It is still a long way from Victorian over indulgence in sugary prettiness.

The sides have the original handles of double horn-of-plenty, a very strong Regency motif, inspired by ancient wall paintings.

The sides have the original handles of double horn-of-plenty, a very strong Regency motif, inspired by ancient wall paintings.

The back too has a most wonderful surprise: a very contented looking Griffin bird, with a hooked beak and eccentrically marked plumage, gazing at a pineapple-shaped urn. 

Only a Regency mind could have conceived of such an artifact!

Detail: 

The top is most interesting in that it depicts oriental men and European women in an exotic landscape. 

Two of the men appear to be serving the ladies, one carrying flowers for them and the younger one bringing them a bird. The third man, who is wearing a wonderful hat is resting and observing. One of the women is gathering flowers. The scene hints at a very relaxed relationship between Europeans and Orientals. This is most unusual. On the whole chinoiserie scenes depicted only Eastern figures. European figures were either painted in naturalistic English country settings, or very rarely in classical poses. 

Detail: 

The third man, who is wearing a wonderful hat is resting and observing.

Detail of top: young man  in exotic dress bringing them a bird. 

Detail: 

The back too has a most wonderful surprise: a very contented looking Griffin bird, with a hooked beak and eccentrically marked plumage, gazing at a pineapple-shaped urn. Only a Regency mind could have conceived of such an artifact!

The lids of the canisters continue the theme of mixed cultures. A beautifully dressed oriental man is trying to assist a European woman who appears not to be able to stop her overgrown brat from bawling his head off. 

On the other canister, an oriental child in contentedly playing in the exotic landscape, rolling a hoop with a stick.  

There is a variation of this theme on the top of another penwork tea chest we have seen: 

Hygra: A Regency Penwork Three Compartment Tea Caddy circa 1820

 Inside the Canisters retain some of their original leading

See: A Rare Polychromed tea chest with scenes of oriental life Circa 1815-20

 Detail: The sides have the original handles of double horn-of-plenty, a very strong Regency motif, inspired by ancient wall paintings. These are made of pressed brass and retain some of their original gilding. They have patented to a rich glow