Antique English Tea Caddy with Cut Glass Bowl

Antique English Tea Caddy 

England, Mid to late 19th Century

A piece that speaks to an era when tea was treasured as highly as silver, this exceptional English tea caddy is crafted in the celebrated Tunbridge Ware tradition, its warm honey-toned wood inlaid with intricate foliate marquetry in contrasting woods. The scrolling botanical motifs wrap gracefully around the lid and body, creating a sense of movement and quiet luxury.

The interior reveals its true purpose: a beautifully preserved cut glass mixing bowl at the center, designed for blending precious loose teas, flanked by two lidded compartments with turned bone handles. The lid is lined in hand-marbled paper, its pattern as mesmerizing today as when it was first placed there nearly two centuries ago. The original working lock and tassel remain, a reminder that tea was once valuable enough to secure under lock and key.

Raised on delicate bun feet and fitted with ring handles at the sides, this is a caddy that was meant to be both functional and proudly displayed.

Details: 

England, circa mid to late 1800’s

Central cut glass mixing bowl

Original lock and key

Marbled paper interior lining

Raised on bun feet with side ring handles

The box is 12 long x 7 1/2 tall x 6 1/4 deep

Condition

Beautiful antique condition. Marquetry remains vibrant and intact, glass bowl present, and interior lining richly preserved.