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Tea and Opium
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An 18th century tea caddy decorated with straw work.
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Reference: TC571
Description:
TC571: Rare straw work tea caddy from the second half of the 18th
Century. Inside there is one compartment lined with foil paper and a
supplementary lid also with straw marquetry.
Origin: UK. Circa:
1780; Materials: straw work marquetry on a pine carcass.
Size: It measures 5.9 inches
wide by 4.1 inches deep and it is 3.5 inches high
including feet: 15 cm wide by 10.4 cm deep by 8.9 cm high.
Condition: good
overall, but some losses. 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.
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See: http://www.hygra.com/material.htm#str
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This caddy is illustrated in our book. The floral motif, as well
as the swirling treatment of the surrounding foliage, are characteristic
of continental work. 6" wide. Second half 18th century.
See: Antique
Boxes, Tea Caddies, and Society, 1700--1880
Antigone Clarke & Joseph O'Kelly, ISBN: 0764316885
On account of the fragile nature of
the material it is unreasonable to expect to find these boxes in perfect
condition.
"Straw marquetry is usually referred to as Napoleonic prisoner
of war work. The reason for this is that most pieces available today,
were made in England in prisoner of war camps and prison ships between
1793 and 1815. Dartmoor and Norman Cross were two of the chief centers,
but such prisons were scattered throughout England with some of the work
dating back to 1756.
"Considering the living conditions in such camps and ship hulks,
this extraordinarily beautiful work is a celebration of the human spirit
over adversity. The technical expertise and the design sense displayed
on many pieces are remarkable. Furthermore the sensitivity of
composition, color, and use of material on the best work is
breathtaking. The humble materials in the hands of people brought low by
circumstances were transformed into treasures reflecting a world of
imagination and culture. It is as if the prisoners' intellect soared
while their bodies were confined."
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Inside the caddy retains much
of its original lining foil paper lining.
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The lid is also decorated with a swirling design in straw.
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Back view, showing the continuing design of symmetrical swirly
patterns and cartouches with depictions of small flowers mostly pansies.
Pansies are symbols of remembrance, from the French pensee, to
think.
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Detail of top showing the clever use of the straw in different
directions to achieve variant light values.
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The front. The rosebuds are delicately executed with this fragile
material.
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The side view with a different motif.
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The other side.
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The bottom of the caddy is covered with marbled paper.
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caddies.
All text and images and linked images are ©
1999-2011 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
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