Pair of Mid-20th Century English Hand Painted Tole Tea Boxes With Birds

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Description

This charming pair of vintage tole tea boxes was crafted in England circa 1950. Made of tinned metal and beautifully … Read more This charming pair of vintage tole tea boxes was crafted in England circa 1950. Made of tinned metal and beautifully hand painted, the decorative storage containers feature a rich red finish embellished with colorful birds, delicate flowers, and leafy branches, bringing traditional English country charm to a kitchen or breakfast room.

Each rectangular box features softly rounded front corners, a molded upper edge, and an attached hinged lid that opens to reveal a spacious interior compartment. The front panels are decorated with finely detailed ornithological scenes depicting pairs of colorful songbirds perched among flowering branches and delicate green foliage. One box features birds in shades of red, yellow, and brown, while the other displays a vibrant red-breasted bird accompanied by a smaller songbird in muted green and gray tones.

The hand-painted compositions are set against softly aged ivory backgrounds framed by warm red borders. Additional bird and botanical decorations embellish the sides, creating attractive details from multiple angles. The artwork bears painted signatures, adding to the individual character of each piece.

Toleware became especially popular in European interiors during the 18th and 19th centuries, when painted metal containers were prized for their practicality and decorative appeal. This mid-century pair continues that tradition with colorful naturalistic decoration and functional storage.

The vintage tea boxes are in excellent condition commensurate with age and use, retaining their rich red painted finish with subtle surface wear consistent with age. Perfect for storing tea, kitchen accessories, or other household essentials, they would also make decorative accents on open shelves or a kitchen counter.

Dimensions: 9.75"W x 8.25"D x 10"H each See less