Chinese Export Lacquered and Gilt Tea Caddy

Mid-19th century, unmarked, carved wood with red and black lacquered ground, of oval form with eight scalloped panels and conforming radial hinged lid, the whole finely decorated with scenic pictorials of sages within a garden landscape, opening to removable twin lead compartments with engraved stylized floral and patterned decoration.

5 x 7 3/4 x 5 in.

From the Collection of Josephine Chapman Borthwick, Pinehurst, North Carolina

Without key; some light surface wear to the lacquer and gilt, a few areas of gilt loss; scuffing to underside; tea liners with denting.