Description:
TC562:  18th century satinwood two compartment tea caddy inlaid with fine decoration in the neoclassical tradition. Circa 1790
The elegant shape of the caddy is enhanced at the front with two elongated insets depicting two urns of classical design, with stylized plants. The background is of pale green and the design is in natural maple cut skillfully with detailed definition on the scalloped leaves and flowers. The composition is further enhanced with hot sand shading which gives a gradual and subtle color variation.

Origin: UK;  Circa: 1790; Materials: satinwood and other woods on a pine carcass.

Size: It measures 7.3 inches wide  by  4.4 inches deep and it is 5  inches  high: 18.6  cm wide by 11.2 cm deep by 12.8 cm high.

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

Although the elements on this caddy are not unusual within the genre of the period, they have an edge of elegance and skill, which give the caddy a superior overall look. 

Satinwood was one of the most expensive veneers.

Rare Elliptical 18th Cent. Caddy with Neoclassical inlay

also

www.hygra.com/tc/tcbp26d.htm

www.hygra.com/tc/tcbx22d.htm

Hygra: An octagonal partridge wood veneered caddy Circa 1790.

Hygra: Oval Tea Caddy circa 1795

../tc104/index.htm

and page 106 Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies, and Society, 1700--1880 
Antigone Clarke & Joseph O'Kelly, ISBN: 0764316885

Inside the caddy retains some of its original leading.  At this date the lids do not have supports but sit on top of the tea. Lead lining was used to stop moisture migrating from the tea to the  caddy.  The carcass of the caddy is made of pine.

A

The front of the caddy with the symmetrically arranged ovals. The motifs of classical craters with formal floral arrangements on a natural green backgrounds were popular in the late 18th century.

Side view.

The elegant shape of the caddy is enhanced at the front with two elongated insets depicting two urns of classical design, with stylized plants. The background is of pale green and the design is in natural maple cut skillfully with detailed definition on the scalloped leaves and flowers. The composition is further enhanced with hot sand shading which gives a gradual and subtle color variation.

The supplementary lids have turned bone pulls. 

On the top there is an inlaid shell, again of cut and shaded maple. The design of the shell is quite life-like, with the curling end and the expertly done shading suggesting the hollowness inside.

On the top there is an inlaid shell, again of cut and shaded maple. The design of the shell is quite life-like, with the curling end and the expertly done shading suggesting the hollowness inside.

Detail showing  fine stringing and cross bandings. 

The underside with original cloth.