Antique Victorian Tortoiseshell and Mother of Pearl Tea Caddy with Abalone Inlay and Working Key, England Circa 1850 to 1870 Deep burgundy velvet writing surface

Deep burgundy velvet writing surface with age-appropriate wear

and a potential appreciation for military history or unique decorative objects

rendered with richly textured brushwork and dramatic tonal contrast

adding history

earthy umber tones

Antique Victorian Tortoiseshell and Mother of Pearl Tea Caddy with Abalone Inlay and Working Key, England Circa 1850 to 1870 Deep burgundy velvet writing surfaceAntique Victorian Tortoiseshell and Mother of Pearl Tea Caddy with Abalone Inlay and Working Key, England Circa 1850 to 1870 A striking mid 19th century English tea caddy crafted in beautifully figured tortoiseshell and richly inlaid with mother of pearl and abalone shell in an elegant geometric mosaic design. The bombe form body rests on turned feet and is decorated with luminous diamond panels that shimmer with iridescent color against the deep