Pear tea caddy, 18th century

Rare fruitwood box for storing tea, in the shape of a pear. The sinuous line and the realistically shaped stalk, together with the original metal hinge, make it a sculptural collector's item of extreme value, as was the tea at the end of the 18th century. It was a precious commodity intended for an elite market, but with almost modern, timeless lines. England, second half of the 18th century Height 14.5cm