Vintage possibly older Chinese tea caddy box /Lac Burgautte box, Mother of Pearl inlay.
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This has moderate/some age related wear.
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lacquered with hand finished mother of pearl. It could now be a trinket box or just a lovely decorative item.
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Size: 7 cm tall 7 cm round
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Mother of pearl is a material that is created by some mollusks and is used for decoration. The box's design features geometric patterns, floral motifs, and small creatures, all created by carefully placing pieces of the iridescent nacre. The base material appears to be dark wood, which contrasts effectively with the shimmering inlay. The box is likely handcrafted, showcasing the artistry and skill involved in this traditional decorative technique.
The mother of pearl used in such items can come from various sources, including freshwater and seawater mollusks. The craftsmanship seen in this box is part of a long tradition of using mother of pearl for decorative purposes. Items such as this box are often made in countries such china Japan or the far east
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This appears to be a tea caddy, a container used to store tea, particularly common in the 18th and 19th centuries when tea was a valuable commodity. The elaborate decoration, often featuring intricate patterns and materials like mother-of-pearl, suggests it may be of Chinese origin, possibly a "lac burgautte" box. These caddies were designed to protect tea from light and moisture, ensuring its quality and flavor were preserved. In Japan, they are called "chaki".