Egyptian
Tray of Shells, Stones, Wall and Pottery Fragments, 19th century
Wood; shell; stone; tempera on mud plaster; faience; glazed ceramic, 21.6 x 12.7 x 4.4 cm (8 1/2 x 5 x 1 3/4 in.)
This rectangular tray is made of wood, which appears brown with some dark stripes. The outside surface of the tray is smooth while the inside surface is rough. Colorful shells, stones, and wall and pottery fragments are contained in the tray. A light green triangle shaped pottery piece, a light blue pottery piece, and a light yellow Cypraecassis rufa shell with black spots are the most conspicuous items in the tray. Around them are dark brown, gray color stones and fragments. Some of the stones are complete while others are just debris.
Macknight 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.