Georgian Tea Caddy Henry Clay 'Attributed'

About the Item

Octagonal Papier-Mache Tea Caddy with Classical Figures Circa 1800 From our Tea Caddy collection, we are thrilled to offer this Henry Clay Octagonal papier-mache Tea Caddy. The Tea caddy decorated to the exterior with a central scene showing seated classical figures and cherubs. The top and bottom with Entwined diaper borders that are repeated on the hinged, silvered-handle top. The intior features a floating lid with a mounted silvered handle. Although unsigned we firmly attribute the Tea Caddy to renowned London maker Henry Clay. The Tea Caddy comes complete with working lock and key Henry Clay was an assistant to one of the pioneers in papier-mache by the name of John Baskerville who started to imitate the highly polished items, that were being imported from Japan, using lacquered papier-mache. Which would become known as "japanning". By 1772 Clay had learned enough to start up his own business and in the same year patented a new process for making "paperware" which involved sheets of paper being soaked in paste and pressed together on a plate. Once separated from the plate they were baked in a hot stove to remove any flexibility, whilst at the same time being coated in varnish or oil. The final product was used like wood, and once coated with colour and oils could be polished to a high shine. Around 1785 Henry Clay acquired a retail premises in London's Covent Garden. George III was one of his patrons by 1792 and Clay adopted the title "Japanner to His Majesty." Measurements (Centimetres) 12.5 High x 12.5 Wide x 8 Deep.

Attributed to:

Henry Clay (Maker)

Dimensions:

Height: 4.92 in (12.5 cm)Width: 4.92 in (12.5 cm)Depth: 3 in (7.62 cm)

Style:

Georgian (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Paper,Hand-Painted

Place of Origin:

England

Period:

1800-1809