An exquisite Chinese export black lacquer tea caddy, finely decorated throughout with Oriental scenes, dragons and exotic ornaments.

Qing dynasty, early 19th century.

Why we like it

With all its exquisite decoration, this box is amazingly well preserved and complete with its original, finely chased paktong containers for two different types of tea for blending at home.

Such luxurious items were popular in England during the height of fashion for oriental exoticism, called chinoiserie in Europe.