Description
An early George III Birmingham japanned rectangular tea casket, with gilt metal mounts raised on hairy paw feet, painted with seven topographical scenes of Venice and other Italian cities, within floral and scrolling borders, with faceted hinged lid, the green velvet and silver filigree lined interior containing two enamel caddies and a sugar canister, each painted with flowers, butterflies, bees and other insects, with floral and wavy chased gilt metal mounts, 21.5cm (8.5in) high, 24cm (9.5cm) wide. The Venetian views are based on prints by Vinsenti after Canaletto. The lid depicts The Grand Canal with San Simone Piccolo on the left and Santa Maria de Nazarath on the right, the side views include Santa Croci, the Rialto Bridge and other views.
