Tortoise box

18th century

Not on view

The 18th century box exhibits a great curiosity for the Exotic. Objects made of tortoise shell are relatively common, but a complete shell of a tortoise is exceedingly rare. It is very likely that this was a kunstkammer object as could be found in the courts of Northern Europe or indeed English country houses.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Tortoise box
Date: 18th century
Culture: possibly British
Medium: Tortoise, gilded silver
Dimensions: confirmed: 1 3/4 × 3 1/2 × 2 3/4 in. (4.4 × 8.9 × 7 cm)
Classification: Metalwork-Silver
Credit Line: Bequest of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 2019
Object Number: 2019.283.118
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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