Rectangular shaped BOX with a domed lid opening on the long - Lot 167

Lot 167
Go to lot
Estimation :
1500 - 3000 EUR
Rectangular shaped BOX with a domed lid opening on the long - Lot 167
Rectangular shaped BOX with a domed lid opening on the long side, leather-covered wooden core reinforced by an iron frame and square shaped motif with pierced decoration centered with an umbilicus on the sides, the interior entirely covered with black and white marouflaged prints representing Saint Paul and Saint Peter, summoned by a scene from the life of Christ and next to it probably St. Nicholas (cut out in the shape of the box) on the inner left side and Santiago de Compostela in a letter (a) stuck on a sheet of paper representing the baptism of Christ by St. John the Baptist on the inner right side. The large sides are covered with xylography representing victorious chariots pulled by hippogryphs and horses. The lid is covered with a coloured leaf representing interlacing vegetation (green traces) on a red background. Hasp lock with pierced decoration. Lid topped with a wrought iron handle. 16th century. (Restorations, right inside of lid replaced, traces of synthetic glue, partly modern frame) D.: 15.7 x 24.1 x 13.4 cm. "The Middle Ages had a taste for boxes, small storage units but also objects linked to courtly, religious or political life. For certain ceremonial objects or for (pre)wedding gifts, the materials used range from the simplest wood to ivory or gold for the most precious, corresponding to the social categories of the purchasers. In the context of courtly love, and with the exception of the rare ivory caskets, the majority of 14th and 15th century caskets are either painted, or with carved or embossed leather decoration". ©Musée de cluny. This box can be compared to a very impressive box entirely covered with prints (inventory no.: Cl.23925) kept in the collections of the Musée de Cluny, donated by the Marck foundation.