Georgian Burr Holm Oak Tea Chest

Description

Georgian Burr Holm Oak Tea Chest, dating to circa 1780, of compact rectangular form with a raised pagoda lid surmounted by a substantial silver handle engraved with the Prince of Wales feathers. The exterior is veneered in burr holm oak framed by quarter-veneered kingwood cross banding and boxwood stringing, edged in ebony with a key-shaped escutcheon to the front.

Opening the tea chest reveals an ebony-faced interior lined to the lid with fuchsia velvet. The interior retains two removable tea caddies with matching pagoda lids decorated with floral marquetry inlay framed by the original kingwood crossbanding and boxwood stringing. Each removable caddy retains its original sliding lid for accessing the tea within.

The burr holm oak veneers display distinct figuring across the exterior surfaces. The contrast between the burr timber, ebony edging, and kingwood cross banding highlights the geometric layout while retaining the restrained proportions characteristic of late eighteenth-century English tea chests.

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.

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Measurements

13cm High x 18cm Wide x 12cm Deep (5.12 x 7.1 x 4.7 Inches)

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What is Kingwood?

Kingwood, sometimes referred to as violetwood, is a highly prized decorative timber native to Brazil, recognised for its rich violet brown colouring and distinctive dark figuring. Due to the small size of the tree, kingwood was traditionally used for veneers, marquetry and fine inlay work rather than large furniture construction.

During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, kingwood became closely associated with luxury European cabinet making and was widely used in fine French and English furniture. Its exceptional density allows it to take a superb high polish, making it particularly desirable for decorative cross banding and refined cabinet work.

For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Kingwood.

What is Ebony?

Ebony is often almost completely black with very little visible grain often with a subtle red/purple hue. This wood is very expensive due to the slow-growing trees which can often be gnarly affecting the yield of straight workable wood. Most ebonies are very dense making work with hand tools very difficult and can quickly clunt cutting tools. This density however offers an excellent finish on turned items.

For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Ebony.

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 was 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.

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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.

Additional information

Year	Circa 1780
Period	18th Century, George III, Georgian
Medium	Boxwood, Kingwood, Oak
Country	England, United Kingdom
SKU	501886