Collection Highlights
The Course of Empire: The Consummation of Empire
Date:
1835-1836
Object Number:
1858.3
Medium:
Oil on canvas (relined)
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
Spectacles and case
Object Number:
Z.1505a-c
Date:
1780-1820
Medium:
Silver, glass; wood, sharkskin
Dimensions:
Overall (spectacles closed): 1 1/4 x 5 1/2 x 2 1/4 in. (3.2 x 14 x 5.7 cm)
Marks:
hallmark: on outside of proper left temple: [Chinese characters]
handwritten: on accompanying note from donor: "Chinese spectacles in original sharkskin case"
Description:
Chinese silver spectacles with silver frames, large round lenses connected by squared nosepiece, and double-hinged temples with circular loop ends; two-piece oblong wooden case with sharkskin exterior.
Gallery Label:
Early Chinese spectacles tend to be large, as the size of the spectacles supposedly reflected the intelligence of the wearer.
Credit Line:
Gift of Walter S. Poor
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
