Fortnightly Auctions Of Antiques, Collectables, General Furniture and Effects. New Lots Added Daily.
Sold for: £6
This lot comprises three metal tea canisters and jars of various designs. The principal item is a hexagonal tea caddy of Chinese or Japanese style, manufactured from a metal alloy, possibly pewter, with a translucent amber-brown lacquered finish. The body features relief-moulded panels decorated with traditional motifs including a crane amongst pine branches, bamboo, and floral sprays. One panel is inscribed with nine raised characters arranged in three vertical columns, the meaning of which indicates the vessel’s suitability for tea storage. The caddy is fitted with a short cylindrical neck, an inner compression lid, and a deep-skirted outer cap. The lot further includes a cylindrical jar with a hammered metal finish and a beaded rim to the lid, and a decorative tea canister featuring a pierced metal casing with the word TEA in script over a red liner, topped with a white finial. No manufacturer’s names or makers’ marks are legible on any of the items.
Condition report:
The lacquered caddy shows extensive fine crazing and crackling to the finish throughout (photo 1). There are visible small chips and losses to the lacquer, particularly along the sharp edges, corners, and feet (photo 4). The exposed metal of the neck and inner lid exhibits typical surface oxidation and dulling (photo 4). The remaining two jars show no visible faults.
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