Chinese Export Black Lacquer Tea Caddy - 19th Century Dowry Chest The lacquer work over the

The lacquer work over the top give the box extraordinary strength and durability

88 x 58 x 66  (wxdxh cms)

with a deeply carved fitted lid incorporating a small mirror and decorative floral details

Decoration: Hand-engraved foliate and geometric motifs

providing both light and a sense of welcome at night

Chinese Export Black Lacquer Tea Caddy - 19th Century Dowry Chest The lacquer work over theThis gilt Chinese Export tea caddy was made in the middle of the 19th century for wealthy members of the British Georgian upper class in the Qing dynasty. Tea caddies were particularly in fashion for wealthy members of high society who wanted to store their valuable and exotic teas. The detailed gilt black lacquer work was made using the maki e technique and required a high level of technical skill. Tea caddies were often gifts from traders and