H x W x D: 14 × 5.5 × 5.5 cm (5 1/2 × 2 3/16 × 2 3/16 in.)
Type:
metalwork
Decorative Arts
rattle
Object Name:
rattle
Made in:
Europe
Date:
18th century
Description:
Open cage formed of eight silver filigree straps featuring delicate scroll and leaf motifs on each, straps attached to ball above, which rotates and slides up and down central post; attached to base of cage is circular, filigree frame, beneath which hang 6 bells on links (five bells are unadorned; a sixth, which is evidently a replacement, features leaf motifs); 6 structural spokes extend inward from links to ring attached to central post; small domed disc with filigree work situated above cage, which also rotates and slides up and down post; stationary ball near bottom of post prevents cage from sliding further down; attached to fixed ball and post is a flat pearl handle with incised star on front and reverse.
