Chinoiserie Tea Caddy with Embossed Tin-lined Interior, Late Qing
4"H x 6 ¼"W x 4 ¼"D
Chinese Export black and gilt lacquer tea caddy of canted rectangular form with domed cover, decorated throughout in gold with shaped cartouches of long-tailed birds among flowering branches and fenced garden terraces, reserved against grounds of scrolling foliage, quatrefoil blossom medallions and stippled diaper, within dense foliate scroll borders. Brass lozenge escutcheon and hinges, the interior fitted with a removable pewter canister of conforming canted form, punch-decorated with floral sprays and beaded borders and retaining both circular covers. Raised on four carved giltwood claw feet. Key present. An ink-inscribed Chinese paper label to the underside and a paper label numbered 75 to the canister; accompanied by the torn fragments of a New York delivery label, McBurney and Underwood, 431 Park Avenue, addressed to Miss Madeleine Rossin, 36 East 68th Street.
Condition: Very Good. Lacquer and gilt decoration well preserved overall, with expected rubbing to the gilding at the high points, lid corners and edges. Scattered small lacquer losses and chipping along the base edges and one lower corner; fine crazing throughout. Gilding substantially worn on all four feet with bare wood exposed. Brass hinges, lock and escutcheon present and secure; key present. Pewter canister with oxidized grey surface, scattered scratches and slight distortion to the rim; both covers present. Lid interior with scattered scratches and wear. Paper labels as described, the delivery label torn in two pieces.
4"H x 6 ¼"W x 4 ¼"D
Chinese Export black and gilt lacquer tea caddy of canted rectangular form with domed cover, decorated throughout in gold with shaped cartouches of long-tailed birds among flowering branches and fenced garden terraces, reserved against grounds of scrolling foliage, quatrefoil blossom medallions and stippled diaper, within dense foliate scroll borders. Brass lozenge escutcheon and hinges, the interior fitted with a removable pewter canister of conforming canted form, punch-decorated with floral sprays and beaded borders and retaining both circular covers. Raised on four carved giltwood claw feet. Key present. An ink-inscribed Chinese paper label to the underside and a paper label numbered 75 to the canister; accompanied by the torn fragments of a New York delivery label, McBurney and Underwood, 431 Park Avenue, addressed to Miss Madeleine Rossin, 36 East 68th Street.
Condition: Very Good. Lacquer and gilt decoration well preserved overall, with expected rubbing to the gilding at the high points, lid corners and edges. Scattered small lacquer losses and chipping along the base edges and one lower corner; fine crazing throughout. Gilding substantially worn on all four feet with bare wood exposed. Brass hinges, lock and escutcheon present and secure; key present. Pewter canister with oxidized grey surface, scattered scratches and slight distortion to the rim; both covers present. Lid interior with scattered scratches and wear. Paper labels as described, the delivery label torn in two pieces.
