Regency Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy with Pressed Decoration

Description Regency Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy with Pressed Decoration dating to circa 1815. This Regency tortoiseshell tea caddy is of squat rectangular form, raised upon ivory feet above a shaped plinth base. The body is rectangular in proportion with a slightly raised domed lid and rounded corners. The exterior of the Regency tortoiseshell tea caddy is richly decorated with pressed tortoiseshell formed into blossoming floral panels. The front and side panels each display square pressed flower heads framed by floral borders and fine silver stringing. The rear panel is finished with a horizontal pressed band incorporating scrollwork and a central floral head set against pressed netting. The interior of the tortoiseshell tea caddy retains two original lidded compartments. Each lid is veneered in tortoiseshell with silver stringing and surmounted by a turned ivory handle. The twin compartment arrangement reflects the traditional Regency practice of separating green and black tea. An early nineteenth century Regency tortoiseshell tea caddy with pressed decoration, retaining strong proportions and original fitted interior. See more from our curated Tea Caddy Collection. Measurements (Inches) 5.5 High x 7.3 Wide x 4.9 Deep Literature Mark Goodger 25th Anniversary Catalogue Page 12 Regency  The regency period is an era of British history between 1811 and 1820. The Regency era was initiated by King George III first suffered a debilitating illness in the late 1780s. He relapsed into his mental illness in 1810 and by the Regency Act in 1811 his eldest son George, Prince of Wales, was appointed prince regent to discharge royal functions. When George III died in 1820, the Prince Regent succeeded him as George IV. Tortoiseshell  Tortoiseshell describes a type of decorative material made from the shells of certain species of sea turtles. The shells of these turtles are composed of a hard, glossy substance called keratin, which can be cut and shaped into a variety of decorative items. Tortoiseshell has been used for centuries to make a range of decorative objects, including combs, brush handles, and other small items. It is also sometimes used to make tea caddies, as it is strong, durable, and can be polished to a high shine. The term “tortoiseshell” is used to describe these decorative items, even though they are made from the shells of sea turtles because the term has been used historically to refer to this material. If you are purchasing Tortoiseshell or Ivory pieces and are outside the E.U. you must have a CITES certificate in order to import the item into your country. We can obtain these on your behalf at a cost of £50 and these can take up to 14 working days to arrive at our office. Due to the strict exporting rules of these pieces, they may also come with further shipping costs. Please ensure you contact us prior to purchase for a quote. 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.