Tea Chest with Chinoiserie Decoration

Description Tea chest with Chinoiserie decoration, of rectangular sarcophagus form with a slightly tapered body and angled lid, raised upon four brass ball feet and dating to the Regency period. The exterior is decorated in penwork with a central band of foliage and blossoming flowers running across the body. The faceted panels to the lid are each finely detailed with Chinoiserie scenes, adding variation and interest across the surface. The chest is fitted with twin loop handles to either side, complementing the brass feet and providing balance to the form. Opening the tea chest reveals an interior lined in red paper, fitted with two removable tea caddies, each decorated with further Chinoiserie penwork. To the centre sits a hand made etched glass sugar bowl, completing the original fitted arrangement. The tea chest dates to the early nineteenth century, circa 1820, during the Regency period. View the full Tea Caddy collection. Mark Goodger Antiques has handled Georgian, Regency and Victorian tea caddies for decades, covering examples in tortoiseshell, pressed horn, burr woods, fruitwood, japanned surfaces, Tunbridge ware and silver. Our stock regularly includes sarcophagus forms, bombe shapes, novelty fruit caddies and rare interior configurations. Through continued study of construction methods, veneer combinations, period inlay techniques and interior composition, we place particular emphasis on authenticity and correct attribution. Understanding which materials were used together, how interiors were finished, and how hinges and mounts were constructed is essential when assessing genuine eighteenth and nineteenth century tea caddies. What is Sycamore? Sycamore wood also known as Harewood is a member of the Maple family, found in Europe. It is light yellow in colour and is often a very clean wood, with a straight, fine grain. The wood is often pippy. However, these pips are usually a very similar colour to the rest of the wood making them hardly visible. For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Sycamore wood. What is Chinoiserie? Chinoiserie is a decorative style in Western art, furniture, and architecture that was undertaken particularly in the 18th century. It is characterized by the use of Chinese motifs and techniques hence the name Chinoiserie. What is the Regency Period?  The regency period is an era of British history between 1811 and 1820. The Regency era was initiated by King George III first suffered a debilitating illness in the late 1780s. He relapsed into his mental illness in 1810 and by the Regency Act in 1811 his eldest son George, Prince of Wales, was appointed prince regent to discharge royal functions. When George III died in 1820, the Prince Regent succeeded him as George IV. What is Penwork? Penwork was used on boxes to illustrate picturesque scenes and, at times, to document a vacation or visit to a foreign country. The prints would often depict people, landscapes, birds, insects, plants, flowers, and animals, as well as stories from Greek mythology or depictions of spa towns. Each of these drawings was very accurately drawn and beautifully varnished with shellac. It is likely that some penwork was commissioned by professional artists. Many of these works were highly detailed, showcasing the skill and expertise of the artist. Penwork was primarily a pastime practised by women (some of whom were just as skilled as the professionals) which explains the presence of so many examples throughout history. Why Buy from Mark Goodger Antiques? With over thirty five years of specialist experience, Mark Goodger Antiques is recognised internationally as a leading authority in antique boxes and related works of art. Every item offered has been personally selected by Mark, whose knowledge and judgement are trusted by collectors, institutions, museums, interior designers, and fellow dealers worldwide. Every purchase is supplied with a full supporting package for clarity and reassurance. This includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a detailed condition and care guide specific to your item, our most recent catalogue, and a separate invoice suitable for insurance and valuation purposes. Each piece is carefully examined prior to sale to ensure accuracy of description and quality. Your purchase is fully insured during transit and protected by our straightforward money back guarantee, allowing you to buy with complete confidence. We pride ourselves on transparency, expertise, and long term relationships with our clients, many of whom return to us repeatedly over decades. When you buy from Mark Goodger Antiques, you are purchasing from a specialist family business built on knowledge, trust, and an unrivalled focus on antique boxes.