19th Century Tea Caddy with Scenes of Italian Country Life

This is a large 19th century Sorrento-ware tea caddy and depicts idyllic scenes of country life on the top and underside of the hinged lid, on the sides as well as internally on the lids of the tea canisters.

The figures on the lid are shown dancing and celebrating a fête. On the front of the tea caddy, the musicians play. The sides and back are inlaid with further panels of figures.

An inlaid chequers border circumnavigates the scenes on the lid, sides and tea canisters.

The interior is divided into 3 compartments, two for the tea canisters and one for the sugar bowl, which is not present.

PROVENANCE

From the collection of Sir Andrew and Lady Buchanan and George Buchanan of Hodsock Priory, Nottinghamshire.

SIZE
Width: 28 cm
Depth: 16 cm 
Hight: 18 cm