λ An 18th century Anglo-Indian rosewood and ivory tea chest

λ An 18th century Anglo-Indian rosewood and ivory tea chest, the hinged top with a caddy moulded edge with ivory banding decorated in lac with scrolling leaves and flowers, with a bronze swing handle and a central tree, the interior with a plush lining and three divisions containing two cut glass and silver lidded canisters, each engraved with the coat of arms of the Egerton family, the front with an engraved escutcheon, c.1770, Vizagapatam, 14cm high, 22.6cm wide, 12.8cm deep.

The coat of arms are for the marriage of William Egerton (1726-1783) to Mary Kirke (1727-). They had six children. The Egerton family were important landowners. One of the family was made Viscount Brackley, later Earl of Bridgewater. Another became Duke of Bridgewater and pioneered the construction of many of Britain's canals. The Egertons own Tatton Park, Cheshire.