Antique (?) Tea Caddy

By jrya2701, 24 February, 2009
Description

This beautiful tea caddy is made of wood and inlaid with flourishing mother of pearl and brass detail. The key is with it, but the box no longer locks. The inside contains two tea containers (also inlaid), with what looks like the original lead paint on the inside. It also came with the mixing bowl which is cracked but still in one piece.

Category
Other
Medium
Wood inlaid with mother of pearl and brass
Distinguishing marks
None that I could find
Condition
Excellent
Size and dimensions of this item
I would say about 13" by 7" by 5"
Date Period
Not Sure
Weight
between 6 and 10 lbs.
History
I don't know anything at all about this particular caddy. I found it on an online auction and fell in love with it. I know that tea caddies became popular in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries as a safe and decorative way to store tea leaves that were probably more expensive than the actual caddies. Any additional info would be GREATLY appreciated!
eBay Auction Link
Price Paid (If known)
N/A
For Sale?
No
Photos