A Dutch theestoof, or tea stove, dating from the 19th century, constructed in the manner of a coopered bucket from numerous narrow vertical wooden staves.

The cylindrical body is strongly modelled with a sequence of rounded horizontal mouldings, interrupted by contrasting black-painted or ebonized bands. Alternating tones in the individual staves create a particularly attractive striped effect, while the upper and lower sections are finished with broad dark bands.

The theestoof retains its removable brass liner, together with the tall brass swing handle attached to shaped mounts at either side of the body. The interior reveals the traditional stave construction particularly clearly, with the individual sections radiating around a circular wooden base.

The function of the theestoof was closely connected with the Dutch tea ritual. A small charcoal brazier or komfoor was placed inside the vessel and supported the kettle above it, allowing the water to remain hot beside the tea table. Period Dutch definitions describe the theestoof specifically as a wooden or metal container incorporating a brazier for the tea kettle. Comparable wooden examples with brass liners survive in Dutch museum collections.

The combination of coopered construction, contrasting timbers, ebonized decoration and brass fittings is characteristic of Dutch Biedermeier-period domestic furnishings. A closely comparable coopered example employing contrasting walnut and holly, black-painted bands, brass liner and swing handle is dated circa 1870.

An attractive survivor of 19th-century Dutch domestic culture, retaining both its decorative wooden body and important original brass components. Can be repurposed as a planter.

Condition

Good antique condition with extensive age-related character. The wooden body displays old shrinkage cracks and separations between several staves, surface wear, scratches, small losses, old marks and numerous historic woodworm holes. Wear and losses are visible to the black-painted/ebonized surfaces. The brass liner and handle show oxidation, tarnishing, staining and surface wear consistent with age and use. Please refer closely to the detailed photographs, which form an important part of the condition description.

Technical Details

Origin: The Netherlands
Period: 19th century / Biedermeier period
Date: Circa mid to third quarter of the 19th century
Object: Theestoof / Dutch tea stove
Material: Coopered hardwood, ebonized/black-painted decoration, brass
Construction: Vertical mahogany wooden stave construction with moulded horizontal bands
Fittings: Removable brass liner and brass swing handle
Use: Container for a charcoal brazier (komfoor) supporting a tea kettle
Dimensions: 30cm
Condition: Antique condition with age-related wear, shrinkage cracks, old woodworm traces and oxidation to brass

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