Antique French Tea Caddy With Lock and Key

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Description

On offer is a 19th-century French double-compartment tea caddy, likely created during the Napoleon III or late Louis-Philippe periods. In … Read more On offer is a 19th-century French double-compartment tea caddy, likely created during the Napoleon III or late Louis-Philippe periods. In the fashion of the time, it features a distinctive “serpentine” bowfront shape with prominent undulating contours.
The body is decorated with an intricate herringbone parquetry pattern. Carefully cut and alternating slices of natural wood grain were placed to catch the light from different angles.
The top is highly decorative, showcasing a geometric matrix inlaid with iridescent mother-of-pearl dots, framed by a beautiful crossbanded border and a beaded brass trim. It rests on ornate, cast gilt-bronze or brass scroll feet. The front features a delicate brass keyhole escutcheon, with a key to fit.
The lid opens on quadrant hinges to reveal two separate storage wells divided by a wooden partition. Historically, these would have held two different varieties of loose-leaf tea (such as black tea and green tea). Remnants of lead or foil lining—used to keep moisture out and preserve the tea leaves—are visible on the interior walls.
At one time, tea was a rarified luxury, as were the live-in servants who might be tempted to experience the high life themselves. Hence the working key.
Signature/Maker’s mark: Nonexistent. See less