Early 20th Century Moroccan Embossed & Engraved Brass Tea Caddy

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Here is a wonderful late 19th-early 20th century Moroccan brass tea caddy, beautifully hand-worked with a combination of embossed and … Read more Here is a wonderful late 19th-early 20th century Moroccan brass tea caddy, beautifully hand-worked with a combination of embossed and engraved decoration. The oval-shaped form features a hinged domed lid topped with a tall finial, small ball-form side handles, and wonderfully intricate arabesque and foliate motifs covering nearly every surface.

I especially love the combination of textures. Raised scrolling designs and circular medallions are layered with finely engraved lines and patterned borders, while the warm brass has developed a beautifully varied surface from decades of age and use. Even the lid and lower border are richly decorated.

The caddy stands on three small feet and opens on a simple hinged lid. Visible hand-soldered construction and the wonderful irregularities throughout give the piece so much character, while areas of oxidation and verdigris add to its aged surface.

Measuring just 6.5 inches high, the caddy has wonderful presence despite its petite scale. It is a beautiful example of decorative Moroccan metalwork and a striking object for a bookshelf, console, or collection of antique brass. See less