//
For internal use only
On Display: House - Walnut Room
Spectacles (Eyeglasses)
1800-1850
Description
A rare survival, this pair of tortoiseshell folding spectacles were likely made between 1800 and 1850 in Guangzhou, China, for the export market. The large, circular frames are made of tortoiseshell and connected by a square-arched paktong (nickel silver) bridge. The paktong temples have two parts hinged together by three knuckle hinges, allowing them to fold. The ends of side arms have circular tortoiseshell pads, which were made to grasp the wearer’s head securely. The lenses––now missing––were likely made of transparent quartz.
Category
Organic (ivory, horn, etc.)
Place of Origin
Probably Guangzhou (Canton); China; Asia
Materials
- Tortoise shell (marine turtle)
- Paktong
Museum Object Number
1952.0005
Credit Line/Donor
Gift of Henry Francis du Pont
Share Object
Complete Details
Object Number
1952.0005
Object Name
Spectacles (Eyeglasses)
Category
Organic (ivory, horn, etc.)
Place of Origin
Probably Guangzhou (Canton); China; Asia
Origin Notes
Previously catalogued as England. Updated with research. Dealers may have purchased in New England as imports through the China trade. [AWagner 8/2019]
Date
1800-1850
Materials
- Tortoise shell (marine turtle)
- Paktong
Dimensions (inches)
1.969 (H) x 4.961 (W) x 5.709 (L)
Dimensions (centimeters)
5 (H) x 12.6 (W) x 14.5 (L)
Dimensions (oz)
0.8113
Measurement Notes
Length is of earpiece unextended and height is of lens frame.