George III Inlaid Tea Caddy

Description

Very fine and unusual George III tea caddy in sun faded mahogany with rosewood, kingwood and holly inlay, the lid with fan inlays flanking central patera, the front and sides with half compass stars, cross banded panels and inlaid flutes, gilt lion mask handles, the interior compartments with two painted lids; one depicting a Indian woman, the other a Chinese woman each apparently to indicate which type of tea was in each container, the whole with pleasing rich and mellow patina.