A German neoclassical brass-mounted tulipwood tea box by the workshop of Abraham Roentgen circa 1755

With scattered age and construction cracks. Veneer with cracks, some buckling, losses and some detached pieces. Interior probably refitted and now lacking canisters. Brass with some oxidaiton, rubbing and surface dirt.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

'Teeschatullen' or tea boxes were among the earliest pieces of furniture known made by Abraham Roentgen. Between 1755 and 1790 the Roentgen workshop produced over a hundred boxes ranging in size, a number of which were equipped with secret drawers. Knowing that Abraham Roentgen described himself as an englische Cabinett Macher, it is not surprising that most of his tea boxes follow English models with their sarcophagus shape, cavetto lids and restrained use of mounts and escutcheons. These tea boxes were much prized and sought-after by his customers. In fact, when in 1768 a lottery was held by the Roentgens to ease their atelier's financial problems, they included twelve such boxes as prizes (Zwolf Stuck kostbare eingelegte Thee-Schatullen mit einer Schieb Lade, welche von selbst herausspringt, a St. 6 Duc), indicating that they relied on the popularity of these items and believed that these works would entice customers into purchasing tickets. David Roentgen is also known to have included ten such tea boxes in his 1786 shipment of furnishings sent to the Russian Court, see Wolfram Koeppe, Zwischen Askese und Sinnlichkeit, Dettelbach, p. 10. Boxes of comparable shape by Roentgen are illustrated D. Fabian, Abraham und David Roentgen, Bad Neustadt, 1996, p. 247, figs. 561-564. Related tea caddies by the workshop of Abraham Roentgen sold Sotheby's Amsterdam, 11 April 2006, lot 44 and Sotheby's New York, March 30-31, 2011, lot 735.