French, Limoges, 13th century and later

J. Boccador, Paris

Due to the wear of the wood core consistent with age some of the sections, including to of the figures on the right and the ridge decoration, are loose. Several of the nails are lost or have been replaced for the same reason. One of the corner finials has been lost. Several of the cabochons were lost, some of the present ones may have been replaced. The gilding on the surface was worn throughout. The enamelled parts of the figures and the corner sections next to the lid have losses to them. There are some nicks to the copper at the edges of some of the sections.
"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."

The front of the present casket with its enamelled and copper-gilt applied figures and inset pastes can be compared to the Châsse de Saint Hippolyte in the Louvre as well as the casket formerly in the Brummer collection and sold at Sotheby's Parke Bernet on 19 February 1954.  The entire casket, however, is most similar to the reliquary châsse sold at Sotheby's on 9 April 1981 in that neither the front, sides or reverse are enamelled but only engraved and glass-set.

RELATED LITERATURE
L'Oeuvre de Limoges, Louvre, Paris, NY, 1996, p. 327, cat. no. 113; E. Rupin, L'oeuvre de Limoges, Paris, 1890, fig. 392