A Very Elegant Mid 19th Century Papier Mache Tea Caddy, Of Bombe Type Form, Having Exceptional Hand Painted And Inlaid Decoration, The Hinged Top Enclosing Lidded Compartments Raised On Original Shaped Feet.

This charming little 19th century tea caddy exudes charm, sophistication and luxury.

Unusually constructed from Papier Mache, it is exceptionally well decorated and that decoration remains in excellent condition, which in combination with the elegant bombe type shape really makes something beautiful to look at.

Clearly well loved and cherished throughout nearly 200 years of life and use this tea caddy remains in excellent condition.

Tea was a precious commodity throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and the purpose of a tea caddy was not just to preserve the and extend the life of the precious tea leaves, but also to enable the owner to lock away those aforementioned valuable tea leaves, keeping them safe from the house staff and their potentially wandering hands.

There is no key for the lock of this tea caddy as the lock is not functional, but it has been cleaned and traditionally wax polished in our workshops before being offered for sale.

Circa 1860.

Height 6in.
Width 10in.
Depth 8.5in.