Satinwood tea box, c. 1800

This tea box, made of satinwood and brass, dates from around 1800. The object has a trapezoidal shape with sloping sides, topped by a domed lid and accentuated by marquetry decoration forming a chequered border of dark and light colours. The structure rests on spherical brass feet. The sides are fitted with turned wooden handles, and the front features a brass keyhole plate cut in the shape of a fleur-de-lis. The compartmentalised interior, stained blue, contains two removable boxes with marquetry lids fitted with light-coloured pull knobs. The assembly is held together by metal hinges visible along the rear edge.