Antique c1850 19thCTreen Turned Mushroom Shaped Fruitwood Tobacco Jar Trinket Box Push Lid

A beautifully simple and characterful mid-19th century turned treen pot dating to around 1850, crafted from warm toned fruitwood and finished in an attractive mushroom shaped form with a domed push-fit lid.

The piece has been lathe turned from a single block of wood, producing a pleasingly balanced cylindrical body with a thickened rim and a smoothly domed lid that sits neatly over the opening. The proportions are particularly appealing, giving the piece a soft sculptural quality that feels both practical and decorative. The rich honey coloured fruitwood has developed a mellow patina over time, with subtle tonal variations that highlight the natural grain and turning marks from its original manufacture.

The lid fits snugly with a satisfying air-tight push fit, suggesting that the container was intended to store something that benefited from being kept sealed. Small treen pots of this type were commonly used in the 19th century for tobacco, snuff, spices, salt, apothecary powders or small household provisions. The precise original use is open to interpretation, which only adds to the charm of such objects.

Age related shrinkage cracks are present to the base and around the rim, entirely typical for treen of this age as fruitwood naturally contracts over many decades. These could easily be filled if one wished, but they are best left untouched as part of the honest age, rich patina and tactile feel that collectors value in early treen. They do not detract from the strength or usability of the piece.

Today the pot works beautifully as a small storage container or decorative object. It would sit perfectly on a desk, shelf or cabinet of curiosities, and also lends itself well to contemporary uses such as storing spices, loose tea, jewellery, desk accessories or other small items. Its simple sculptural form and warm natural surface make it an appealing designer accent in both traditional and modern interiors.

A charming example of early utilitarian treen, combining practical craftsmanship with the quiet elegance of hand turned wood that has matured gracefully over nearly two centuries.

Size: c.W 7.5cm x H8cm

*Please go to our shop on Ebay for other similar items, we can also look to combine postage where possible