Tea caddy 1798 - 1809
Silver gilt | 8.6 x 12.7 x 8.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 48394
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A silver-gilt oval tea-caddy with a detachable cover. The cover with a hinged loop handle and engraved with anthemions, husks and flower heads. The plain tapering caddy engraved with border of palmettes, pendant husks and scrolls.
Cover and base both struck with the marks of Martin Guillaume Biennais.
Provenance
Martin Guillaume Biennais (1764–1843) was originally a cabinet maker and tabletier (dealer and maker of small objects) with established premises at 283 rue St Honoré by 1789 'Au Singe violet' (at the sign of the purple monkey). With the ending of guild restrictions following the passing of the Chapelier laws in 1791he diversified his business to include the production of silver and gilt items. He supplied Napoleon Bonaparte and his family from as early as 1798 including, in 1804, the Emperor's crown and sceptre for his coronations in Paris and Milan. Belonged to Napoleon I & later to Edward VII
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Creator(s)
(nationality) -
Medium and techniques
Silver gilt
Measurements
8.6 x 12.7 x 8.0 cm (whole object)
367.3 g (Weight) (whole object)
Category
