English dome top burl walnut tea box c1820-40 in original condition including key. Measures 9.5 inches wide by 6.5 inches high and 5 inches deep. Tea was introduced to England from China sometime in the middle of the 17th century. Although there are earlier references of its use by traders in China, it was not until 1657 that we have the first account of its sale in England. Together with the fragrant leaf came the respect for this drink and the ceremonial way in which it was to be prepared and drunk. Tea was pivotal in the history of Britain in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. To understand the full impact of the importation of tea we have to consider the fiscal implications of this newly introduced commodity.The tea and opium trade were inextricably interlinked. Although wooden Tea Caddies were made early in the 18th century, it is not until the second half of the century that they were introduced in any numbers as a home style accessory. The word caddy derives from the Malay "kati" a measure of weight about 3/5 of a kilo. The 17th century tea containers were bottle shaped tea jars in china, glass, silver, enamel and straw-work covered metal. Tea caddies came in all shapes and styles and sizes. Some were wooden caddies, others were veneered in tortoiseshell, horn, straw-work and sadeli mosaic. Tea Caddies were made in wood in box form from the second quarter of the 18th century. The first such boxes were shaped like small chests and contained three metal canisters. They were mostly made of mahogany although a few early ones were of walnut. Very occasionally a chinoiserie box was made. Complete boxes of this type are difficult to find, especially in walnut. Chinoiserie boxes are exceedingly rare. Information obtained from http://www.hygra.com/teacaddy.htm

Antique country kitchen chestnut cutlery box with double sides c1860. Well made with fine hand cut dovetails and hinged double sides. Lovely old patina. Measures 10.25 wide by 10" deep by 7.5 inches high. If you wish to browse our entire available inventory please go to OneofaKindAntiques.com. We also offer a consultation service AntiquesConsultant.com, ... as well as an online price guide at TheBestAntiquesPriceGuide.com. Connecticut residents and buyers picking up in Connecticut please add the CT state sales tax. Buyers outside the USA are responsible for any taxes, tariffs or customs that might apply.

A Copeland Spode chinoiserie decorated Chinese "powder blue" porcelain valuables box, the hinged top and sides featuring extensive hand gilding of classic Cantonese pastoral imagery (temples, pagodas, fisherman, bridges, etc.) on a cobalt background with additional scroll and latticework decoration; original reeded bronze mountings, marked Copeland Spode, England (verso) & numbered "E 1885". England c. 1900. No chips, repairs or restoration. Dimensions: 6 1/4" W x 3 1/4" H x 4 1/8" D.

A stunning Moser cobalt glass casket or box, with brass fittings, including carry handles and a lock, decorated w/overall gilt enameled flowers and tendrils, etched marked "D 10" & "17" on inside cover. Bohemia, c. 1880. Dimensions: 3 3/4" H x 4 1/2" W x 3" D, If you wish to browse our entire available inventory please go to OneofaKindAntiques.com. We also offer a consultation service AntiquesConsultant.com, ... as well as an online price guide at TheBestAntiquesPriceGuide.com. Connecticut residents and buyers picking up in Connecticut please add the CT state sales tax. Buyers outside the USA are responsible for any taxes, tariffs or customs that might apply.

A Japanese Inaba School cloisonne valuables box, the hinged cover and four sides millefiore decorated on a cobalt blue background, the gilt metal inner compartment worked with incised fish, and the gilt metal inner lid worked with an incised swallow. The bottom has a stylized floral motif on an emerald green enameled backgound; possibly Inaba Nanaho, unsigned. Japan, c. 1910. Dimensions: 2 1/2" H x 5" W x 4" D. If you wish to browse our entire available inventory please go to OneofaKindAntiques.com. We also offer a consultation service AntiquesConsultant.com, ... as well as an online price guide at TheBestAntiquesPriceGuide.com. Connecticut residents and buyers picking up in Connecticut please add the CT state sales tax. Buyers outside the USA are responsible for any taxes, tariffs or customs that might apply.