Tortoise box

Unknown

18th century · Tortoise, gilded silver · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Tortoise, gilded silver

Culture

possibly British

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Bequest of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 2019