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Antique hexagonal tea caddy – Toleware (tin) with Japonist/Chinoiserie decorations – ca. 1850-1880
€95Bid from €55
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Private sellerProduct description
Specifications:
Object type: Large antique tea caddy / storage container
Material: Printed and lacquered tin (Toleware)
Period: Late 19th century (approx. 1850-1880)
Style: Japonism / Chinoiserie
Shape: Hexagonal with a round snap-on lid
Country of origin: Probably United Kingdom or France
Dimensions: Height 30 cm, width 19 cm, and depth 19 cm.
A particularly fascinating and early example of a hexagonal tin tea caddy, decorated in the sought-after Japonist style of the Victorian era. During this period, Western fascination with Eastern culture was at its peak, which is beautifully expressed in the rich symbolism on the various panels of this caddy. Each panel tells a traditional Oriental story or conveys a wish for good fortune:
Side 1 (Large medallion): A detailed depiction of a traditional rooster and hen under a tree, which in Asian art symbolize courage, protection, and family prosperity.
Side 2 (Large medallion): A dynamic representation of a samurai warrior with a spear against the backdrop of the iconic red rising sun.
Side 3 (Large medallion): Two cranes (tsuru) among pine branches, the classic symbol for longevity, loyalty, and immortality.
Side 4 (Large medallion): Two mandarin ducks (oshiidori), symbolizing marital fidelity and marital happiness. Unique detail: Directly below the red circle is a reproduction of the original vertical black artist's signature/characters from the woodcut. The narrow corner sides: Intimate, vertical scenes from daily life, including geishas/court ladies at a window, interactions at a tea table, and a seated sage or philosopher in a natural rock garden.
The lid: Featuring a flying bird (swallow) against a deep red circle imitating precious Japanese lacquerware (urushi), symbolizing good news and the arrival of spring.
The exterior is atmospherically framed all around with delicate cherry blossoms (sakura). The detailed shadows and patterns were applied using early chromolithography (stone printing) on tin.
Condition
General: In honest, untouched antique condition with a beautifully weathered character (historical patina).
Exterior: The lacquer layer shows light crazing, wear marks, and light scratches over the entire surface, consistent with its great age. However, the decorations are still very striking and clearly recognizable all around. Interior & Base: The interior and the base plate show heavy, dark oxidation (rust patina) and superficial corrosion. The tin is structurally sound, but due to the oxidation, it is no longer suitable for storing loose foodstuffs.
Features: The base is completely unmarked, which is characteristic of early tin manufacturing from before the industrialization of stamps. The seams have been crimped manually or using early bending machines.
Please view the extensive photo report carefully to get a clear picture of the exact condition of this lot. More photos are available upon request.
Collection is possible in Tilburg / The Netherlands. Shipping is also possible; shipping costs are for the buyer. The tea tin will then be very well packed.
Specifications
ConditionGoodColorsMulti ColorMaterialIronNumber of items1Height30 cmWidth19 cmDepth19 cmSigns of usageRust, Dents
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Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerTilburg , NetherlandsOn Whoppah since June 2023 • 0 sales