PRIZE ANTIQUE TEA CADDY c1850 Gilded Black Chinoiserie MOP Inlay 5.5×4.5×3.5
Here is an authentic Chinese Export black papier mache Japanned lacquered and gilded tea caddy dating around 1830 to 1870 that I imported from England years ago. It measures about 5.5″ long, 4.5″ tall, and 3.5 deep front to back. It is exquisitely hand painted and decorated with MOP (Mother of Pearl) inlay on the top and front side, with cyma curves and similar graceful designs. It is in relatively good condition, but does have minor gilding losses, craquelure, and irregular wear. There is also a small dent on left back corner of the lid, and an old repair to the front left side base of the box. There is also a small lid cover that fits inside the tea caddy. It has a tiny Mother of Pearl “button” as a handle, and there is a miniature Mother of Pearl spoon (has a slight chip on one side) since tea was so “dear” back then. The two divided storage compartments inside the tea caddy are gilded in silver zinc with a few leftover tea leaves. No other damage or repairs. This is priced at under my cost so not likely to cut price at all. The two brass and/or metal lid hinges and one brass escutcheon on front work and are in perfect shape. I do have a tiny brass key that fits perfectly into the lock, but it does not move the locking mechanism on the tea caddy – it may just need oil. The key is about 15/16 long. It will be double boxed for protection.
