Tea Caddy in Ribbed Bucket Form George III

Description This George III Tea Caddy is formed in the rare and unusual shape of a ribbed bucket and dates to circa 1800. The exterior is carved with alternating panels of plain sycamore and ebonised sycamore, creating a striking ribbed effect across the body. The contrasting light and dark timbers emphasise the curvature of the form and reflect the refined design of late eighteenth century tea caddy production. The lid is fitted with a looping swing handle manufactured from cut steel and centred with an embroidered panel. The bucket form, combined with the steel handle, gives the tea caddy a strong architectural presence while retaining its domestic function. The interior of the George III tea caddy retains traces of its original lining, designed to protect and preserve loose leaf tea. Novelty forms such as this ribbed bucket tea caddy were produced in limited numbers and are considerably rarer than traditional sarcophagus or rectangular examples. A rare George III tea caddy in ribbed bucket form, carved in sycamore and ebonised sycamore with cut steel handle, dating to circa 1800. The Caddy comes complete with working lock and key. 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. This depth of specialism allows collectors to purchase with confidence, whether acquiring a first example or adding to an established collection. Sycamore (European Sycamore) Sycamore, also known as European sycamore or sycamore maple, is the timber of Acer pseudoplatanus, a maple species native to Europe and parts of southwestern Asia. Despite the name, it is unrelated to American sycamore and belongs firmly to the maple family. The wood is valued for its pale, clean appearance and fine, even texture. Sycamore is typically used as sapwood, which ranges from near white to soft golden or light reddish tones. In some examples the grain can develop attractive figured effects such as curly or rippled patterning, which has long been favoured for decorative veneers and fine box work. Sycamore has a generally straight grain, works cleanly, and takes a smooth finish, making it well suited to veneered surfaces, small boxes, musical instruments, and detailed interior items. While not suitable for damp conditions, it performs well in dry environments and has been widely used in European cabinet work for centuries. For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Sycamore. What is the Georgian Period? The Georgian period spans from 1714 to 1830 and covers the reigns of George I, George II, George III and George IV. It was a time of expanding trade, growing wealth and increased demand for domestic luxury goods within Britain. In furniture and decorative objects, Georgian design is associated with balance, proportion and restrained ornament. Influences ranged from Palladian architecture in the early eighteenth century to the neoclassical revival later in the period. Cabinet makers developed increasingly refined veneering techniques, fine inlay work and precise mouldings, while tea wares and storage boxes reflected the social importance of tea drinking within polite society. Tea caddies from the Georgian period were both practical and valuable household objects, designed to store costly imported teas securely while also displaying the owner’s taste and status. 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.