Chinese Spectacle Case

Chinese Spectacle Case

Case, glasses, spectacles case, Chinese, China, California, silk embroidery, leather case

This Chinese spectacle case was brought from China to California during the Gold Rush. This would be have been considered a luxury and treasured item. This can be seen because of the specific silk embroidery on the red leather case. These type of Chinese accessories would not have been commercially sold during the 19th century but rather it is a personal item. The item would have been difficult to replace due to the lack of trade of Chinese goods to California for personal gain at the time. The glasses symbolise the importance of bringing what little the immigrants could from home.

Unknown – Gift from Mrs. M. E. Schlichtmann

Oakland Museum of California Item: H4260.28

http://collections.museumca.org/?q=collection-item/h426028

1850

Sarah Smith

Oakland Museum of California

N/A

Material object - organics & metal

19th century California