Images(8)

Tea chest

Date1755-1770

OriginWales, Pontypool area

MediumJapanned tinned sheet iron ("Pontypool"), wood, brass

DimensionsOH (with handle): 7 13/16"; H (of box): 6 7/16"; OW: 10 3/16"; OD: 6 1/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1974-87

DescriptionTea chest of rectangular bombe form; lid rectangular in plan with raised central panel surrounded by falling terraces and two cast brass escutcheons for cast brass bail handle in center; edge of lid bends to form short molded sides conforming to body below; lid joined by two hinges at back to body; each side of body formed from one sheet of metal joined at corners to form box; keyhole cut in upper center of front panel; each panel shaped in bombe curve with narrow vertical extension at top and short, canted, then vertical extension at bottom which forms base; feet formed by junction of panels at corners; panel cut out between feet to form roughly scalloped apron; bottom panel (sheet iron) and inside of apron japanned red; wooden carcass attached to bottom panel with four screws.

Decoration: box covered with tortoiseshell ground; center of lid bears pink/red flower with surrounding foliage; gilded decoration at corners of raised center, at corners of terraces, and at corners of lid; faint remains of gilded borders connecting these corner decorations; sides of lid decorated by gilded running rope border; front panel bears elaborate floral/foliate painting in right half and a painting including a bird, grapes, raspberries, and other fruits in left half (primary colors: red, pink, white, and blue-gray); side and panels and back panels bear floral/foliate paintings executed in similar style and palette; running gilded border at top of all four sides consists of intersecting arcs with interspersed pellets and open diagonal lines above; corners overlapped by large gilded cartouches composed of scrolls with blue fields; similar cartouche surrounding keyhole on front panel has remnants of diapering in field; inversion of top border (intersecting arcs, etc.) at bottom of bombe curve; canted area below shows traces of border composed of vertical stripes forming continuous fan pattern; feet decorated with ornamented diapering with short areas of plain diapering along transition to apron.

Interior: wooden interior formerly divided into three compartments (dividers now missing) for tea caddies and sugar box; rim of body interior and rim of lid veneered with mahogany; interior of lid lined with velvet and edged with fabric tape (both modern); brass lock in body engaged iron catch in lid.
ProvenanceVendor: Rupert Gentle, Milton, England