This is a little clear 19th century glass bowl which would have been found in an antique mahogany tea caddy. The tea caddy would have had to compartments at the outside of the box - and in the centre there would have been an aperture for the glass bowl to sit in.
When you were ready to brew your tea - you would have selected some loose tea from one compartment, and more tea from the other compartment. You would have placed the leaves in the glass bowl and gently stirred it to make a blend of the tea that you preferred.
These little caddy mixing bowls are now rather rare - as they either got lost or broken over the years. This one is quite delicate and is covered with intricate engraved patterns. It dates to the early 19th century and is either late Georgian or early Victorian in date.
The engraving is quite exquisite. Running around the base is a decorative Green Key border. Above the border are two distinctive engraved compositions. One one side we have a large Classical palmette with floral arabesques surrounding it. When you spin the bowl completely around - then you have three Greek warriors on horseback. They come across a maiden running in front of the horses - she sprinkles particles before them onto the ground. The engraving of the horses is certainly very accomplished.
My little bowl has been hand blown and has a shaped foot. There is a large polished pontil mark on the base. It is in excellent condition with no chips or cracks. My price takes into account the superior quality of the etching on this bowl.
Dimensions: The height is 4 inches. The diameter of the rim is just under 4 inches. And the foot at the base is 2 1/4 inches.
UK Postage will be with Royal Mail Recorded. This will be cost £5.50 and be applied at the checkout.