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Antique 18th-Century Georgian Burr Yew Tea Caddy—Elegant, natural wooden box
$2,950
£2,229.22
€2,574.20
CA$4,122.18
A$4,573.91
CHF 2,395.91
MX$56,088.36
NOK 30,475.15
SEK 28,767.24
DKK 19,197.42
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About the Item
Two hundred years of history, meticulously craftsmanship, rare wood, and natural beauty!
This beautiful tea caddy is dated circa 1780, is "of the period" Georgian style, and was made during the reign of George III--a time known as the golden age of British craftsmanship.
Georgian artistry is evident in this tea caddy's details. It has a rectangular shape with canted corners. This box is a smaller, more demure size--perfect for a tabletop or shelf. A delicate crossbanded border frames the front and lid. There's boxwood stringing on the edges. The marquise-shaped keyhole is finished with a bone escutcheon. If you open the hinged lid, you see the two traditional compartments--one for green tea and one for black. The interior has been repainted in black, and the box includes an antique key, although likely not the original.
The burr-yew veneer makes this caddy special. Two hundred years ago, yew wood was prized for its durability and honey-brown color. Even more prized than yew was burr yew--wood from the yew's scant burls and knotty growths. True craftsmen loved to work with this wood's complex, one-of-a-kind grains, swirls, wefts, and pips.
The burr yew plus the simple design give this caddy a natural, well-crafted elegance. The focus is on the beautiful wood, rich color, high craftsmanship, and wonderful patination. Unlike many tea caddies of this period, this one isn't burdened by overwrought Georgian trends, like inlays, cartouches, or a sarcophagus shape.
As collectors know, tea caddies have a charming history. The name evolved from "catty" or "Kati," a traditional Chinese weight of about 1 and 1/3 pounds. The wealthy, fashionable Georgians used tea caddies to store tea, a luxury item, in their drawing rooms, where their guests couldn't help but be impressed.
Today, tea caddies have practical and decorative uses. Practically, you might use one to store jewelry, mementos, or other treasures. Decoratively, your tea caddy might be the centerpiece of your side table, the attention-grabber for your shelf, or the keystone of your collection. Your tea caddy might complement a traditional interior or contrast with a modern look. No matter what, a tea caddy brings elegance, sophistication, and conversation to your home.
Contact us
•: Email us to view more pictures of, and to learn more about, this antique 18th-century Georgian burr yew tea caddy.
- Dimensions:Height: 5 in (12.7 cm)Width: 7.25 in (18.42 cm)Depth: 4 in (10.16 cm)
- Style:George III (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1780
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. The lid sits every-so-slightly askew, but this doesn't interfere with the look and function of the caddy.
- Seller Location:Saint Helena, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: IX-03-311stDibs: LU10087243317112
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