Description

Featuring Countryside Scenes 

From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to introduce to the market this Papier Mache Tea Caddy by Henry Clay. The Henry Clay Tea Caddy of oval shape composed from papier mache is beautifully painted to the exterior with continuous English countryside scenes with thatched roof cottages beside a flowing river and rolling hills. The exterior delicately coloured with green and yellow hues and a blue sky finished with a peacock feather border and blossoming roses and ribbon garlands to the lid surmounted by a loop handle. The interior of the Henry Clay tea caddy is fitted with a single tea compartment with a stationary oval shaped lid with turned handle. The Papier Mache Tea Caddy by Henry Clay dates to the turn of the 19th century George III period circa 1800.

The Henry Clay Papier Mache Tea Caddy comes complete with a working lock and tasselled key.

Measurements (Inches) 4.9 High x 5.9 Wide x 3.15 Deep

Literature Mark Goodger 25th Anniversary Catalogue page 21

Henry Clay was an assistant to one of the pioneers in papier-mache by the name of John Baskerville who started to imitate the highly polished items, that were being imported from Japan, using lacquered papier-mache. Which would become known as “japanning”. By 1772 Clay had learned enough to start up his own business and in the same year patented a new process for making “paperware” which involved sheets of paper being soaked in paste and pressed together on a plate. Once separated from the plate they were baked in a hot stove to remove any flexibility, whilst at the same time being coated in varnish or oil. The final product was used like wood, and once coated with colour and oils could be polished to a high shine. Around 1785 Henry Clay acquired a retail premise in London’s Covent Garden. George III was one of his patrons by 1792 and Clay adopted the title “Japanner to His Majesty.”

Papier Mache is a man made material consisting of paper pieces bound with an adhesive, such as glue, starch, or wallpaper paste.

With every purchase from Mark Goodger Antiques, you will receive our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen piece and an independent invoice (for insurance purposes) will be enclosed. As well as being protected by a no-hassle, money-back policy, your piece will be entirely insured during the shipping process to ensure the safety of your item.

Additional information