A Large Siculo-Arabic Gilt Metal Mounted Ivory Casket, Sicily, 12th Century

of rectangular form with hinged gabled lid, the wooden structure covered with sheets of thin ivory punched and engraved with small polychromed four- and three-pointed stars, secured by gilt copper mounts with pointed and palmette terminals, gilt copper handles on the sides and lid and lock plate to the front

Formerly in the Forbin collection (old label on underside)

Some small cracks around the lock plate and craquelure relating to age on the top of the lid and corner joins, split in the rear panel approx. 10cm long and some copper tarnishing, replacement feet, as viewed
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This magnificent box, of unusually large size, belongs to a group of ivory caskets attributed to Sicily and likely to have been made in Palermo by Muslim craftsmen during the twelfth-century Norman occupation. As a group they tend to have the same style of gilt copper mounts which are not purely decorative but act as support for the thin and fragile ivory walls. Other similar examples can be found in the Museo Civico d'Arte Antica, Turin, and the Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore (see Cott 1939). More elaborately decorated caskets of this kind can be found in both the Instituto de Valencia de Don Juan, Madrid, and the Victoria & Albert Museum (see Ferrandis 1940, pl. XXVII, XXXVI & XLII).