Made in Hong Kong

Vintage: circa 1920's - 1930's

Details:  Very beautiful Oriental/Asian artisan decorated metal tea caddy.  This caddy is rare for a couple of reasons, first it has an unusual, seldom seen, round shape, typically these are found in a quatrefoil shape.  Secondly, the various carvings, typically these have Chinese characters or one etched design, same in front and back.  This piece has four different carvings around the body: Bamboo, Flowers, Flowering Grass and a highly detailed etching of a lake/river scene including a house on the shore, a large tree and person sailing on a canoe in the water. 

The lid/cap is compression-fitted and not decorated.  It stands on three tab feet and it's embossed on the bottom: "Made in Hong Kong".  The color is a pewter color, a bit darker than silver.  We mentioned Paktong as possibly the material used to make this piece, (Paktong is an alloy of copper ores with nickel and zinc. The metal was used by the Chinese for small table and decorative accessories) however, pewter was the most often used metal for export pieces from China in the 19th and early 20th century.  This is a very special piece, great as a gift or home decor, would be a treasure for an Asian decor collector.

Material:  Pewter

Dimension:  6.75 inches Tall and 3.5 inches in Diameter

Condition:  Vintage- Used. 

There is a dent on one side as shown in the pictures. There are several surface scratches as expected on metal finish surfaces acceptable due to age/use/wear. 

Please review all pictures; questions are welcomed