Northern Italian, probably circa 1370-1400

This characterful casket is reminiscent of works by the so-called Workshop of the Nailed Figures, a grouping proposed by Elena Merlini (op. cit.), whose main identifying feature is the use of visible nails to attach carved bone panels to the body of the casket. Stylistically the present casket relates to an example at the V&A (inv. no. A.23-1952), which has been tentatively associated with the Nailed Figures workshop (Williamson and Davies, op. cit., p. 789). The V&A casket is distinguished by its unusual full-length panels depicting scenes of hunting, motifs which broadly compare to those of the present casket. However, other features, such as the chessboard decoration of the underside, might indicate a more northern origin for the present casket.

RELATED LITERATURE
E. Merlini, 'La "Bottega degli Embriachi" e i cofanetti eburnei fra Trecento e Quattrocento: una proposta di classificazione', in Arte Cristiana, vol. LXXXVI, 1988. pp. 267-282; P. Williamson and G. Davies (eds.), Medieval Ivory Carvings, 1200-1550, Part II, London, 2014, pp. 784-793, nos. 261-263

Overall the condition of the casket is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There is particular dirt in the crevices of the bone panels. There are several minor losses to the bone panels, in particular around the edges. One of the panels, on one of the short sides of the casket, is loose but held in place with a metal nail at the bottom. Several of the nails in the other panels are lost, leaving small holes. There is veining to the bone panels throughout, consistent with the material. There is rubbing at the high points. The wood veneer is applied in sections and stable joints are visible. There are a few minor losses to the inlay, in particular on the lid, and a few pieces appear to be replaced. There is minor stable splitting to the wood and the horn, consistent with the material. There is minor evidence of past worming in areas. There is some warping, including to the lid. The metal handle at the top and the key are probably later. There is wear to both, including oxidation. There is wear to the leather lining throughout, including fraying. The locking mechanism functions.
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