Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies, & Society 1700–1880 by Antigone Clarke & Joseph O’Kelly

Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies, & Society 1700–1880 by Antigone Clarke and Joseph O’Kelly is an exceptionally comprehensive and beautifully illustrated reference work devoted to the history, craftsmanship and social significance of antique boxes and tea caddies from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Published by Schiffer Publishing in 2003, this substantial collector’s volume explores far more than simply the identification of antique boxes. Clarke and O’Kelly place these fascinating objects within their historical and social context, examining changing tastes, decorative movements, international trade and the craftspeople responsible for their manufacture. The book covers an impressive variety of materials and techniques, including wood, tortoiseshell, ivory, papier-mâché, lacquer, penwork, straw work and Tunbridge ware.

Dedicated sections examine Anglo-Indian, Scottish, Irish and Oriental lacquer boxes, while specialised forms include tea caddies, card boxes, sewing and work boxes, dressing boxes, knife boxes, writing boxes and slopes, table cabinets and other purpose-made boxes. Periods and influences covered include eighteenth-century design, Neoclassicism, Chinoiserie, Regency and Victorian styles.

A particularly valuable feature for collectors is the extensive photographic content. This first edition contains hundreds of colour photographs, detailed close-ups and illustrations showing construction, decoration and individual examples. Descriptive captions provide identification information, approximate dates and contemporary price-guide information.

An excellent reference for collectors, antique dealers, auctioneers, valuers and anyone interested in decorative arts, cabinetmaking, tea culture or eighteenth- and nineteenth-century social history. The original 2003 edition is now out of print, making this an increasingly desirable specialist reference.

Condition – Very Good

The hardcover appears very well preserved overall, with a clean and sound binding and clean page edges. The illustrated dust jacket is present and displays well, showing some light shelf and edge wear consistent with age and handling.