Manufacturer

Unidentified maker

Material

wood
brass
other

Dimensions

Overall: 6 3/8 x 6 5/8 x 13 1/8 in. ( 16.2 x 16.8 x 33.3 cm )

Creation Date

1850 – 1899

Description

Rectangular wooden box with flat, hinged lid and brass key surround; parquetry consisting of applied decoration including oval (of lighter wood) at center of lid within chamfered area, with border around edges; on front, two ovals (of darker wood) facing each other within chamfered area, with elaborately veneered borders; on sides, circles (of lighter wood) applied to each side with simple border of same wood; interior of lid covered in wine-colored textile; inside, three compartments with edges painted black, two containing tea caddies; rectangular tea caddies with oval necks set into body, topped by hinged lids painted with single red flower and green leaves, contrasting with flat top of caddy made of darker, varnished wood dovetailed to unpainted sides.

Provenance

Permanent loan from the Beekman Family Association

Kitchen Artifact ID

1948.550a-c