Victorian Lacquered Papier-Mâché Tea Caddy with Gilt Decoration and Hand-Painted Floral Lid
Victorian Lacquered Papier-Mâché Tea Caddy with Gilt Decoration and Hand-Painted Floral Lid
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Additional Description: A charming Victorian lacquered papier-mâché tea caddy finished in glossy black japanned lacquer and richly decorated with gilt scrolling ornament and a hand-painted floral still life to the domed lid.
The caddy features elegant Rococo-inspired gilt decoration, including scrolling foliage, floral garlands, and a central cartouche on the front panel. The domed lid is adorned with a delicate bouquet painted in polychrome tones, adding a decorative flourish typical of mid-19th century tea caddies produced for the Victorian household.
The hinged lid opens to reveal the original twin interior tea compartments, each with a removable fitted lid and small central pull. These compartments were designed to store two varieties of loose tea, most commonly black and green tea, reflecting the elaborate tea rituals of the 19th century.
The interior retains traces of its original lining and shows wear consistent with age and use. The key escutcheon remains present to the front, though the key is no longer present.
The combination of black japanned lacquer, gilt ornament, and painted floral decoration is characteristic of Victorian lacquered papier-mâché wares, which were popular luxury household objects during the mid-19th century.
Era: Mid-19th Century
Circa 1840–1860
History: Tea caddies were an essential household item during the 18th and 19th centuries when tea was a valuable imported commodity. Due to its cost, tea was often kept locked inside decorative caddies and carefully portioned out by the lady of the household.
During the Victorian period, workshops in England—particularly in Birmingham and Wolverhampton—became known for producing lacquered papier-mâché decorative objects. These pieces were finished with glossy japanned lacquer and embellished with gilt ornament, often inspired by earlier Rococo decorative motifs.
Tea caddies such as this served both a practical and decorative purpose, frequently displayed on sideboards or tea tables during formal tea service.
Provenance: European origin, likely English.
Materials; Lacquered papier-mâché
Hand-painted decoration
Gilt ornament
Brass hinges and escutcheon
Dimensions: TBD
Disclaimers: Wear and loss to gilt decoration consistent with age
Surface marks and small losses to lacquer present
Interior lining shows age and use
Lock present; key not included
Additional Description: A charming Victorian lacquered papier-mâché tea caddy finished in glossy black japanned lacquer and richly decorated with gilt scrolling ornament and a hand-painted floral still life to the domed lid.
The caddy features elegant Rococo-inspired gilt decoration, including scrolling foliage, floral garlands, and a central cartouche on the front panel. The domed lid is adorned with a delicate bouquet painted in polychrome tones, adding a decorative flourish typical of mid-19th century tea caddies produced for the Victorian household.
The hinged lid opens to reveal the original twin interior tea compartments, each with a removable fitted lid and small central pull. These compartments were designed to store two varieties of loose tea, most commonly black and green tea, reflecting the elaborate tea rituals of the 19th century.
The interior retains traces of its original lining and shows wear consistent with age and use. The key escutcheon remains present to the front, though the key is no longer present.
The combination of black japanned lacquer, gilt ornament, and painted floral decoration is characteristic of Victorian lacquered papier-mâché wares, which were popular luxury household objects during the mid-19th century.
Era: Mid-19th Century
Circa 1840–1860
History: Tea caddies were an essential household item during the 18th and 19th centuries when tea was a valuable imported commodity. Due to its cost, tea was often kept locked inside decorative caddies and carefully portioned out by the lady of the household.
During the Victorian period, workshops in England—particularly in Birmingham and Wolverhampton—became known for producing lacquered papier-mâché decorative objects. These pieces were finished with glossy japanned lacquer and embellished with gilt ornament, often inspired by earlier Rococo decorative motifs.
Tea caddies such as this served both a practical and decorative purpose, frequently displayed on sideboards or tea tables during formal tea service.
Provenance: European origin, likely English.
Materials; Lacquered papier-mâché
Hand-painted decoration
Gilt ornament
Brass hinges and escutcheon
Dimensions: TBD
Disclaimers: Wear and loss to gilt decoration consistent with age
Surface marks and small losses to lacquer present
Interior lining shows age and use
Lock present; key not included