Rare Quillwork Tea Caddy
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Directory: Antiques: Furnishings: Accessories: Boxes: Pre 1800: Item # 1493055
Directory: Antiques: Furnishings: Accessories: Boxes: Pre 1800: Item # 1493055
Please refer to our stock # RMT-726 when inquiring.
$7,250
Rare English Filigree Tea Caddy, rectangular with cut corners with mahogany bandings having satinwood and ebony stringing around glass panels enclosing rolled paper and crushed stone floral form decoration. The front panel has a silk and watercolor roundel of a girl with a basket. The hinged lid opens to a divided interior with penwork decorated lids. Circa 1790.
Also known as “quill work” or “rolled or scrolled paper” tea caddies, these undecorated boxes would have been purchased from a cabinetmaker and decorated at home or in schools by ladies as a genteel amusement and to show their artistic abilities. Today, it is hard to find these boxes in this fine a condition.
(See: Clarke & O’Kelly, Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies and Society1700-1880, pp. 117-118 for similar examples) and our #607. 6.75” x 4.75” x 6” tall
Exhibited: “A Celebration of the Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party” at Doyles, Boston 2024
