{"product_id":"victorian-lacquered-papier-mache-tea-caddy-with-gilt-decoration-and-hand-painted-floral-lid","title":"Victorian Lacquered Papier-Mâché Tea Caddy with Gilt Decoration and Hand-Painted Floral Lid","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdditional 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEra: Mid-19th Century\u003cbr\u003eCirca 1840–1860\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistory: 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDuring 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTea caddies such as this served both a practical and decorative purpose, frequently displayed on sideboards or tea tables during formal tea service.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: European origin, likely English.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaterials; Lacquered papier-mâché\u003cbr\u003eHand-painted decoration\u003cbr\u003eGilt ornament\u003cbr\u003eBrass hinges and escutcheon\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: TBD\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDisclaimers: Wear and loss to gilt decoration consistent with age\u003cbr\u003eSurface marks and small losses to lacquer present\u003cbr\u003eInterior lining shows age and use\u003cbr\u003eLock present; key not included\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49005533528319,"sku":null,"price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8780\/4927\/files\/50E158A6-0791-49DE-847C-ABBEEB5A6013.png?v=1786543702","url":"https:\/\/forthelouvreofantiques.com\/products\/victorian-lacquered-papier-mache-tea-caddy-with-gilt-decoration-and-hand-painted-floral-lid","provider":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}