Artwork preview

Hinged Box in the Form of a Tortoise

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Hinged Box in the Form of a Tortoise by Unknown Artist. The object is a dark-colored, possibly bronze, hinged box shaped like a tortoise. The box has an oval body with a domed lid, featuring intricate carvings on both the lid and body. The tortoise's head protrudes from the right side of the box, and four legs are visible, two on each side. The lid is adorned with a decorative handle on top, resembling a curved branch or vine. The background of the image is a gradient gray, with the box casting a shadow on the surface below. The box appears to be an antique or replica of an ancient artifact.

Artwork Details

Date
ca. 13th century
Medium
Bronze
Culture
Indonesia (Java)
Dimensions
600 × 449 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette