Georgian Harewood Tea Caddy with Tuscan Columns

Description

This Georgian Harewood Tea Caddy, dating to circa 1790, is of octagonal form veneered in harewood and cross banded in tulipwood with boxwood edging.

The front is centred by an oval cartouche inlaid with a fan motif, echoed by a matching fan inlay to the lid. Applied Tuscan columns frame the canted front corners, while the lid is surmounted by a turned bone handle. Opening the tea caddy reveals a floating inner lid fitted with a matching turned bone handle, enclosing the tea compartment beneath.

View the full Tea Caddy Collection.

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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.

This depth of specialism allows collectors to purchase with confidence, whether acquiring a first example or adding to an established collection.

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Measurements

11.5cm High x 14cm Wide x 9cm Deep (4.53 x 5.5 x 3.54 Inches)

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What is Tulipwood?

Tulipwood is also known as Brazilian Tulipwood, Brazilian Pinkwood and Bahia Rosewood. It is found in South America, mainly Brazil. The colour is warm yellow with streaks or brown-red grain.

For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Tulipwood.

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.

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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

Dimensions	14 × 9 × 11.5 cm
Period	18th Century, George III, Georgian
Year	Circa 1790
Country	England, United Kingdom
Collection	Ladys treen collection
Medium	Boxwood, Harewood, Tulipwood
SKU	500406TVEX