Dutch Regency Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy, Circa 1820

A rare early 19th-century Dutch tortoiseshell tea caddy, circa 1820, of refined casket form with a softly domed hinged lid, canted serpentine corners, and richly figured tortoiseshell panels in deep amber, honey, and dark brown tones. The surface is articulated with fine pale bone stringing and mounts, creating a crisp architectural framework around the body, lid, and faceted side panels. The front is centered by a silver escutcheon with keyhole, while the caddy is raised on small rounded ivory feet, giving the piece a delicate sense of elevation and period elegance.

The form reflects the sophisticated Dutch and Northern European taste of the Regency and early Biedermeier period, when exotic luxury materials such as tortoiseshell, bone, silver, and finely worked veneers were used for intimate domestic objects associated with tea service, personal refinement, and cabinet collecting.

Opening to reveal its fitted interior, the caddy retains its removable inner cover with small knob, along with the original or associated key. Also a Sallea Antiques provenance.

Measures: 4.5″ w x 3″ d x 3.25″ h.
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