Regency Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy with Mother of Pearl Inlay

Description

A Regency period tortoiseshell tea caddy with mother of pearl inlay dating to circa 1815, of elegant sarcophagus form with a gently domed lid surmounted by a silver ball finial and raised upon matching silver ball feet. The exterior is richly veneered in tortoiseshell and decorated to both the lid and front with scrolling floral motifs in iridescent mother of pearl, framing a square silver escutcheon to the centre. Beneath the front panel decoration sits a pressed gadrooned style design, providing contrast against the polished tortoiseshell ground and reinforcing the strong Regency silhouette.

Opening the tea caddy reveals a fitted interior retaining twin tea compartments with blonde tortoiseshell lids finished with delicate silver stringing and matching turned handles. Both compartments retain traces of their original silver foil lining, designed for the storage and preservation of loose leaf tea. The contrast between the darker exterior tortoiseshell and the lighter fitted interior components remains particularly attractive.

A particularly attractive Regency tea caddy with strong colour and well executed mother of pearl inlay throughout. The silver ball feet, fitted twin compartment interior and sarcophagus form combine well together, while the contrasting blonde tortoiseshell lids add further visual interest when opened.

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.

Measurements

 17.5cm High x 17cm wide x 10cm Deep (6.9 x 6.7 x 3.94 Inches)

What is Tortoiseshell?

Tortoiseshell describes a type of decorative material made from the shells of certain species of sea turtles. The shells of these turtles are composed of a hard, glossy substance called keratin, which can be cut and shaped into a variety of decorative items. Tortoiseshell has been used for centuries to make a range of decorative objects, including combs, brush handles, and other small items. It is also sometimes used to make tea caddies, as it is strong, durable, and can be polished to a high shine. The term “tortoiseshell” is used to describe these decorative items, even though they are made from the shells of sea turtles because the term has been used historically to refer to this material.

If you are purchasing Tortoiseshell or Ivory pieces and are outside the UK you must have a CITES certificate in order to import the item into your country. We can obtain these on your behalf at a cost of £50 and these can take up to 30 working days to arrive at our office. Due to the strict exporting rules of these pieces, they may also come with further shipping costs. Please ensure you contact us prior to purchase for a quote.

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.

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.

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