Description

Fully Decorated Tea Caddy 

From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to introduce to the market this Russian Papier Mache Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of hexagonal form finely decorated with papier mache depicting scenes from the Kremlin area in Moscow including St. Basil’s Cathedral, Spasskii Gate, and four of the Kremlin cathedrals with the hinged cover displaying a view of the Moscow Kremlin. The interior of the tea caddy is finished in a red papier mache and contains a single tea caddy compartment. We firmly attribute the Russian Papier Mache Tea Caddy to the Lukutin Factory in Moscow and date the Tea Caddy to the middle of the 19th century Circa 1850.

Literature featured in Mark Goodger 25th Anniversary Catalogue p. 20

Reference See, The Cleveland Museum of Art Accession Number: 1919.582 and The India Early Minshall Collection 1966.464 for a faberge crossover. The All-Russian Decorative Art Museum and Russian Lacquer Miniature Painting Exhibition “Tea caddy “Saint Basil Cathedral” for a similar composition by Lukutin.

Lukutin Factory (1818-1904) In 1818, control of the Korobov workshop shifted to Piotr Lukutin, the son-in-law of Korobov. He expanded the production line to include tea caddies, album covers, desk accessories, and various types of boxes. Artists began to hand-paint intricate decorative designs on these boxes, turning them into status symbols among the aristocracy and affluent merchants. As the demand for lacquered papier-mâché items increased, so did the complexity of their designs and decorations. Just five years after Lukutin took over, the workshop employed over fifty skilled painters and established a school for training apprentices.

In 1828, Piotr Lukutin began showcasing his products at industrial and craft fairs across Russia and Europe, garnering public acclaim and numerous awards. That same year, he received the prestigious royal edict allowing him to use the Imperial emblem of the double-headed eagle alongside his initials as the company trademark. In 1841, Alexander Lukutin joined his father as factory manager, and together they elevated this simple craft into a true art form through innovative techniques and bold subject matter.

Papier Mache (French term “mâché” means “crushed and ground”) is a versatile technique originating in ancient China around 200 CE, in which waste paper is shredded and mixed with water and a binder to produce a pulp ideal for modelling or moulding. The papier mache then dries to a hard surface and allows the creation of light, strong and inexpensive objects of any shape.

Every purchase made from Mark Goodger Antiques is accompanied by a comprehensive suite of documents to ensure your satisfaction and peace of mind. This includes our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen item, and an independent invoice for insurance purposes. Additionally, your purchase is protected by our no-hassle, money-back policy, and your item will be fully insured during the shipping process to safeguard against damage or loss.

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