Rattle
Applied Arts
Inventory number
2025.8.4.19.AA.OT.C1890.FR
Description
Baby rattle composed of a ring handle made of mother-of-pearl, featuring a hollow silver sphere with decorative engraving in the Neo-Rococo style. The surface features symmetrical volutes and stylized acanthus leaves. The sphere contains a small metal ball to produce sound.
Commonly gifted to infants during christenings – it was a traditional christening attribute, especially among the upper classes of society. Such rattles were often engraved with initials or dates, passed down from generation to generation.
Materials
Silver
Mother of pearl
Origin
circa 1890
France
Dimensions
Width : 9 cm
Length : 5 cm
Height : 4 cm