- 12
FRENCH, PROBABLY PARIS, 14TH OR 15TH CENTURY | Casket
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description
- Casket
- with a label on the underside inscribed: Von livre / Mittelalter Kunsthistoris- / ches Museum / Wien / p.5 no 10 / R. Koechlin / Ivoire gothiq. / Fr. Paris 1924
- ivory, with later metal mounts
- 4.2 by 14 by 7.3cm., 1 5/8 by 5 1/2 by 2 7/8 in.
- French, probably Paris, 14th or 15th century
Provenance
Private collection, Switzerland
Condition
Overall the condition of the ivory is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age, including dirt in the crevices. There is some darkening to the surface in the crevices throughout, and the natural grain of the ivory is visible. There are further dark marks to the surface in a few areas, including to the edges of the lid and around the mounts at the back. There is some greening around the lockplate. The lid is longer than the body of the casket and sits slightly unevenly. There are small holes to the lid and lockplate, presumably for previous mounts. There is some rubbing to the highpoints of the carving. There is some yellowing to the ivory, consistent with the material. There is minor tarnishing to the later metal mounts.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Carved ivory caskets such as this charming example are thought to have been employed in the context of courtship and marriage. Compare, in particular, the lid with a casket in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. 264-1867); note the similar croqueted arches above scenes of courtly romance. RELATED LITERATURE
P. Williamson and G. Davies, Medieval Ivory Carvings, 1200-1500, Part II, cat. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2014, pp. 666-669, no. 230
A Radiocarbon dating measurement report (ref. no. RCD-9081) prepared by J. Walker of RCD Lockinge, dated 30 May 2018, states that the ivory dates between AD 1456 and 1632 (95% confidence interval).
P. Williamson and G. Davies, Medieval Ivory Carvings, 1200-1500, Part II, cat. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2014, pp. 666-669, no. 230
A Radiocarbon dating measurement report (ref. no. RCD-9081) prepared by J. Walker of RCD Lockinge, dated 30 May 2018, states that the ivory dates between AD 1456 and 1632 (95% confidence interval).