Box for toilet articles, c. 1745
Unknown artist, Italyexpand_more
Tortoise shell, gold inlay (box) and glass (bottles)expand_more
Gift of Mrs. Theodora Lang and the Minneapolis Foundation: Ankeny Family Fundexpand_more 85.81.1
Not on Viewexpand_more
This tortoise shell perfume bottle container is fashioned with a piqué technique. The shell was boiled and softened, then shaped and decorated with sheets of gold that locked in place as the shell hardened. This technique was introduced in 16th-century Naples, but soon spread to northern Europe and remained fashionable throughout the 19th century. The shell typically derived from hawksbill sea turtles found in tropical coral reefs. Today the species is threatened.
Details
- Title
- Box for toilet articles
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 85.81.1
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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