Description

Regency Circa 1810

From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer to the market this rare model Tortoiseshell and Mother of Pearl Harlequin Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of rectangular form beautifully decorated to the exterior with a diamond quilt of alternating Tortoiseshell and Mother of Pearl inlay in a design known as harlequin. The Tea Caddy is edged in ivory and is finished with a silver escutcheon and loop top handle. The interior of the Tea Caddy features two matching tea caddy compartments with decorated lids and handles, ivory facing and a red velvet lined inner lid. The Tortoiseshell and Mother of Pearl Harlequin Tea Caddy dates to the Georgian period and the early 19th century during the short-lived Regency era (1811-1820) and the reign of Prince George circa 1810.

Literature Mark Goodger 25th Anniversary Catalogue p.13

Harlequin design is nicknamed after the classic comic pantomime character. In traditional pantomime, a comic performance with silent actors, a harlequin is a funny character who wears a mask and a distinctive diamond-patterned costume.

Mother of Pearl is an organic-inorganic composite material produced by some molluscs as an inner shell layer. It is the same material that natural pearls are made from and is desirable due to its strong and resilient makeup along with its beautiful iridescent shimmer.

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.

Regency 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.

If you are purchasing Tortoiseshell or Ivory pieces and are outside the UK 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 30 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.

With every purchase from Mark Goodger Antiques, you will receive our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen piece and an independent invoice (for insurance purposes) will be enclosed. As well as being protected by a no-hassle, money-back policy, your piece will be entirely insured during the shipping process to ensure the safety of your item.