Spectacles, cased, Chinese, 1850-1930

Spectacle and spectacle case, transverse folding Spectacle and spectacle case, transverse folding

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Spectacle and spectacle case, transverse folding
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Spectacle and spectacle case, transverse folding
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Spectacle and spectacle case, transverse folding, steel spectacles in hinged cap shagreen case, Chinese, 1850-1930

Spectacles may have been used in China as early as the 1100s. The arms of these Chinese steel spectacles are double folding. This means they can circle much of the head. The case is made from a material called shagreen. This is either the rough skin of certain sharks or rays, or rough leather made from certain animal hides. Shagreen is naturally grey. However, it is often coloured red or, in this case, green.

Details

Category:
Ophthalmology
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A682431
Materials:
spectacles, steel, case, wood, case, shagreen, covered and case, metal, hinge
Measurements:
overall: 12 mm x 140 mm x 60 mm, .06kg
spectacles (unfolded): 20 mm x 125 mm x 45 mm, .03kg
type:
spectacles