19th century tea box decorated with mother of pearl, silver threads and ivory

Tea Caddy Regency Tortoise Box adorned with floral mother-of-pearl inlays, silver threads, and ivory-colored interior profiles.

An antique box with an English tortoiseshell-covered lid, the interior divided into two mahogany compartments, also with tortoiseshell lids and ivory-colored sockets. This elegant box in tortoiseshell piqué, a technique used for material processing, features a slightly rounded front, richly inlaid with floral elements of engraved mother-of-pearl and silver threads, with minimal losses. 

The internal edges are ivory-colored. The lid has two slanted flaps and is lined inside with red velvet. The box is of English origin, from the Regency period, around 1820. 

The condition is good, consistent with the dating and some old reconstructions visible on the back, as shown in the attached photographs. Original lock, brass escutcheon, no key. 

The art of processing tortoiseshell, which developed in Naples at the beginning of the 18th century, spread throughout Europe. It seems that the Neapolitan jeweler, craftsman Laurentini, invented the piqué technique, which was then widely used in France and England; this process involves softening the tortoiseshell by immersing it in boiling water and oil, then imprinting its surface with silver threads, mother-of-pearl plates, or other noble materials.

Elegant antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Currently, there are more and more enthusiasts of high-quality old products that have a specific character and soul. It is a nod to the history, creation, and design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its distinctive features.  

There are many different styles characterizing antique furniture, but we can distinguish a few of the most important ones. Eclectic furniture belongs to the 19th century, which saw the prevailing Biedermeier style. Its variations in the early years of this century include Neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe, and finally the English Victorian style. By the end of the century, these styles transitioned into pseudo-styles of Classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Empire-style furniture spans the period between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It originated from Napoleon's reign, where significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek decorations were imposed.

Classicist furniture refers to the Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Interesting and noteworthy are all antique products in the Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, whose name comes from the Portuguese 'barocco'—translated as an irregularly developed pearl. These were very representative pieces meant to literally drip with splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Exceptional, selectively used materials were employed to further emphasize the lofty tone of these products.

Today, we can observe how much influence the Baroque style had on today's classic furniture, which is designed with great similarity to the past era. Another significant style is the Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and also left a significant mark on the art of furniture making. Renaissance style was quite heavy and massive. Brown stains were used, as well as cornices, strong plinths, and bas-reliefs. It can certainly be said that these were quite specific products, but they offered many new possibilities, such as the construction of sideboards or broadly defined chest furniture. Here, too, there was an interest in mythology and ancient times, so supports or legs took on animal forms.

Lion's paws, eagle heads—these are common sights in the Renaissance style. Currently, many global brands recreate such furniture, taking examples from Italian or French creators. It is a manifestation of admiration and care for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It should be remembered that in each country, furniture making was perceived differently, so each style in a given country had its own distinct character. This is very important, especially when searching for the right elegant antique for your interior.

The most important aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. This is ultimately crucial from the buyer's perspective, as there are many counterfeits on the market. The Luxury Products brand provides a document confirming the product's compliance with the actual description and photo. We have art appraisers, historians, and experts from around the world at your disposal.