Oblong Mahogany Jewelry Box

Product Description

Adapted from an antique tea chest circa 1740-1760, this outstanding mahogany finished jewelry box includes a removable wooden tray. Completed with beautiful, polished brass hardware, the box features a distinctive lock and key to keep your valuables safe. The original tea caddy is in the collections of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Features

• Made of wood with mahogany finish
• Polished brass hardware
• Removable inner tray
• Lock and key
• Measures approximately 9.5"L X 5.75"W X 5.75"H
• Williamsburg Exclusive!
• Imported

Inspiration

Tea was first introduced into England from the Orient during the middle of the seventeenth century. Within a century tea drinking became an integral part of English and colonial culture. The tea has to be kept fresh but also safe from theft since it was a very expensive commodity. Thus, the tea was stored in special containers with locks to which the mistress of the house held the key. These highly valued accessories were available in numerous fashionable styles and shapes.

The original tea chest that inspired this handsome reproduction (object # 1936-270) can be seen in our online collections here. Visit The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg to see our extensive collection of tea accessories and other treasures.