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An exceptional Brazilian Rosewood three
compartment Tea Caddy finely inlaid with mother of pearl
C 1840.
The shape of this caddy combines elements and
influences characteristic of the nineteenth century. It is
structured in an architectural form combining tapered and pyramid
lines which make this caddy a strong statement of the robust and elegant
style of the late Regency and early Victorian.
Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia Nigra) is the most prized cabinet
wood of this period. The figuring of the wood in this caddy which
contrasts dark and light striations is particularly striking.
This caddy measures 14 inches wide by 7.75 inches deep by 8.
inches high; 37.5cm wide by 19.5cm deep by 20cm high
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The caddy is in very good original condition and has a working lock with
key.
The central compartment has the original heavy hand blown and cut crystal
mixing bowl (see below). The bowl sits in a specially made recess, which
is faced with mitered and book matched rosewood. |
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The drop handles are turned from solid rosewood. The
turned escutcheon is in Mother of pearl. The main body of the caddy sits
on a base which is edged in gadrooned rosewood. The top part is also
gadrooned. These decorative edgings were made on a lathe and
attached to the box.
The caddy stands on four turned rosewood feet.
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The interior contains two lift out containers also in
rosewood. The lid is lined in rosewood as are the facings and the bowl
holding compartment.
The interior bottom part of the caddy is lined in mahogany which is
edged in rosewood.
The lift out containers are of solid rosewood construction and retain
most of the original lead lining. The lining is worn on the lids.
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The canisters have the same fine Mother of pearl Inlay
Framed with a line of pewter. |
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The Caddy has the label "DALTON- Manufacturer 85
Quadrant, Regent Street London"
Labels are not often found on caddies.
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The bowl like the caddy is in the typical form. This is deeply cut.
This bowl is the original heavy hand blown crystal mixing bowl. |