Victorian Rosewood Inlaid Marquetry Tea Caddy 19th Century

Name: Victorian Rosewood Inlaid Marquetry Tea Caddy
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1011426
Price: 395 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectTea Caddies
Period19th century
StyleVictorian
MaterialRosewood, Brass, Wood Inlay
ColourRich Brown
MotifsFloral marquetry, Gadrooned lid, Bun feet, Brass escutcheon
SizeH 23 cm (9 in) x W 31 cm (12 in) x D 16 cm (6 in)

This Victorian tea caddy is a sarcophagus-form box fashioned from rich brown rosewood, detailed with intricate floral marquetry across the top and front surfaces. The piece displays a hinged lid finished with carved gadrooning and a central fluted handle, alongside brass star-shaped carrying handles mounted on the sides and a brass keyhole escutcheon on the front panel. The box rests on four turned bun feet and incorporates wood inlay motifs throughout the exterior. Measuring 23 cm high, 31 cm wide, and 16 cm deep, this tea caddy is compact enough for display on a tabletop surface. Inside the hinged lid, the container holds two oval removable satinwood boxes, while the central mixing bowl is absent. The exterior timber exhibits natural grain variations typical of the material, paired with polished metal hardware. Suitable for contemporary interior placement, this tea caddy functions well as a decorative storage container positioned on a sideboard top or display cabinet within a traditional living room or dining space, bringing period English country house character to the room.

FAQs

A Victorian tea caddy is a decorative wooden container produced during the nineteenth century, designed specifically to store and preserve valuable loose tea leaves under lock and key.

Tea caddies from this era were commonly crafted from fine hardwoods such as rosewood, mahogany, or walnut, featuring decorative marquetry inlays, brass fittings, and foil-lined interior compartments to protect against moisture.

Authentic pieces feature hand-cut dovetail joints, period-appropriate brass hardware or escutcheons, natural age patina on the timber, and often retain traces of original lead or foil lining within the compartments.

A tea caddy functions well as a decorative focal point on a sideboard, mantelpiece, or bookshelf, offering both historic visual character and practical storage for small personal items.

Keep the object away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent cracking or timber movement, and clean the surface periodically using a soft cloth and beeswax polish.

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Victorian Rosewood Inlaid Marquetry Tea Caddy