Georgian Harewood Tea Caddy

Description Georgian harewood tea caddy of elongated oval form, veneered in harewood with inlaid decoration and fitted interior. The exterior is finished in harewood, framed to the lid with boxwood stringing. The front is decorated with a tied husk swag flanked by two blossoming flowers, centred by a bone escutcheon. To the lid, a central oval cartouche contains an inlaid abstract flower, set within the lighter ground. Opening the tea caddy reveals a fitted interior with a floating lid mounted with a brass ball handle. The tea caddy dates to the Georgian period during the reign of George III, circa 1790. The caddy is complete with a working lock and tasselled key. 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 Harewood? Harewood is a form of sycamore maple that has been chemically treated to alter its naturally pale colour. Originally a light cream tone, the timber was stained to produce silvery grey hues which, over time, mellow into warm brown with subtle grey or green undertones. Used extensively in seventeenth and eighteenth century marquetry, harewood was valued for its ability to take on these distinctive tones, often creating a reflective, almost metallic effect within decorative work. This made it particularly suited to fine inlaid furniture and ornamental panels. With age and exposure, the original silvered finish deepens naturally, and surviving examples now display the richer colouring commonly seen in antique pieces today. For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Harewood. What is Boxwood? Boxwood known as “Buxus sempervirens” can be found in Europe, Northwest Africa and Southwest Asia. It is a light cream that turns darker to brown when exposed to light. The trees are very small meaning it is suited to smaller projects like edging or inlay instead of veneers. For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Boxwood. What is the Georgian Era? The Georgian era was a period in British history from 1714 to 1837, named after the Hanoverian kings George the First, George the Second, George the Third and George the Fourth. Many historians also include the short reign of William the Fourth, whose death in 1837 marks the close of the era. Within this broader period lies the Regency era, which refers to the years when George the Fourth served as Prince Regent during the illness of his father George the Third. 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.