Tortoise shell tea caddy with two internal compartments with an…
click the photo to enlarge
tortoise shell tea caddy with two internal compartments with an engraved panel to top, on four bun feet. Condition good, minor cracks, loss to one snall panel on the underside. Dimensions 16 x 9 x 13 cm

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.

Subscribe Now to view actual auction price for this item

When you subscribe, you have the option of setting the currency in which to display prices to $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

This item has been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.
  • Tortoiseshell - Tortoiseshell is a translucent material that comes from the horny carapace of a certain types of turtles, including the hawksbill turtle. It is often therefore mounted on a colour underground - often red - or inlaid with gold or silver thread, as seen in Boulle furniture.

    The texture and colour nuances of the material are extremely important. Heated tortoiseshell can easily be formed into various shapes. Like other natural materials, tortoiseshell becomes more beautiful with use. In a time before plastic, tortoiseshell was widely used for small objects such as combs and powder compacts.

    In 1973, the trade of tortoiseshell worldwide was banned under CITES (The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). Prior to importing or exporting items containing tortoiseshell a CITES permit must be obtained. Tortoiseshell items cannot be traded on Ebay.

    "Faux tortoiseshell", another case of man initiating nature, is made from old-style plastics such as celluloid and cellulos and is coloured with red, yellow and brown spots to imitate the genuine article. It is commonly used in glasses frames, musical instruments and costume jewellery.

This item has been included into following indexes:

Visually similar items

Crown Lynn Wharetana Maori Art Pottery trinket box, in the #1002 Rauponga Pattern with brown glaze and stylised mask decoration, the lid centre detailed 'And Appreciation from George Harrison & Co. Ltd, The Quality Men's Outfitters, Wellington, New Zealand

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

A Victorian tortoiseshell card case, with hinged lid and fine ivory clashed detail at the opening. 10 cm x 7.5 cm

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

A Chinese silver repousse box, with mark, Shengxing, Thriving, length 6 cm

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

An old Chinese seal of shoushan stone, carved in low relief with water lilies. Height 6.5 cm

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.