RARE C1840 CHINESE DEEPLY CARVED SANDALWOOD TEA CADDY (32) HIGH RELIEF PANELS

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

RARE C1840 CHINESE DEEPLY CARVED SANDALWOOD TEA CADDY (32) HIGH RELIEF PANELS:
$1702.00

I am quite proud to offer here for sale this 150+ year old Chinese tea caddy very deeply carved in sandalwood containing two hand engraved pewter tea canisters with covers and standing on four fabulous winged dragon head feet. This caddy was produced in Canton, China during the height of the \'Old China Trade\' around the c1840s and would have been exported to the West. I have had 100s of the more common gilted lacquer caddies but this is the very first time I have come across one produced in sandalwood in theoctagonalshape although I have had two very similar ones which were fitted sewing caskets. This is truly a very rare opportunity for the serious collector to add a Chinese export caddy like this and when one considers the work and effort it then becomes apparent that there was and is no gifted carvers in any medium like their were during the 18th and 19th centuries in Canton, China. This amazing box is executed with (33) individual deeply carved panels having the lid with up to 5-6 distinct levels of carving at almost 1/4\" deep in areas with the subject matter being different in each panel showing numerous figures performing tasks and leisurely activities in Chinese daily life scenes amoungst outdoor and garden settings saturated with plants, flowers, trees and tables, garden seats as well as various types of buildings and Chinesearchitecturalpoints of interest and so much more as the more one looks at each panel the more is seen each time. The color is a wonderful shade of a medium caramel tone with a nice original dry surface and patina and the lid has a oval cartouche for a crest or monogram but has been left blank. The four winged dragon feet are always a sign of high quality when in the lacquer caddies and it is also the first time I have seen these done in sandalwood having wonderful details as I have shown in a close up. The inside has a pair of hand engraved pewter canisters with covers and the inside of the lid is lined in a red velvet or similar fabric. The overall condition is excellent with only light wear and some movement in the panels through time from changes in humidity and climate and I noticed only two tiny heads missing and I believe the bottom panel has been changed and of course the occasional re-glue here and there but I do not see any other losses, breaks, damage or repairs just a fabulous box for the collector of rare Chinese antiques. Sizes: Length 7-3/4\" (to outside of feet) x Depth 5-1/4\" (to outside of feet) x Height 5\". If you have been looking for that special and hard to find Chinese antique well here it is and this piece will continue to rise in value through the years so good luck and offer to win!If you win an item from one of my sales you can expect quick and professional emails and a tracking number supplied directly after shipping which will take place normally within 48 hours after receipt of payment. Your item will be shipped through USPS Priority Mail fully insured in the USA and USPS Express Mail for all international orders. Remember if you have any questions about an item for sale please ask within 24 hours prior to the sale\'s end, all questions will be addressed the same day normally within 8 hours. Payments are preferred through PayPal however different arrangements can be made if necessary. Thank You and Good Luck!