Chinese
Box with Bat, mid 19th century
Silver, 8.7 x 6.7 x 3.3 cm (3 7/16 x 2 5/8 x 1 5/16 in.)
The lid of this rectangular silver box is highly decorated with an intricate image of a bat. The bat is embossed in the lower third of the top with its wings outstretched. Its wings are etched and the outer edges curve gracefully inward. Its body is finely etched and its eyes protrude at the top of its head. There are delicate rows of vine and leaf motifs that extend above and below the bat. Several plain lines curve upward and meet at a scalloped circular medallion at the center top. The short end of the box has a floral motif that is simply outlined.
Dutch Room
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.