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Box

late 15th century
Not on view
Throughout the Middle Ages, household goods of all types were stored in boxes and coffrets which both protected the goods in the home and provided traveling cases on journeys. The great number of these of all sizes, shapes, and materials that have survived from the medieval period testify to this method of storage.

This small container may have been intended to hold rings, ring brooches, and other jewels or trinkets. A small inscription appears on this box, AMA DIO DE BON CORE A FIN (“Love God with a good heart to the end”). Unfortunately, this inscription does not provide a clue to the specific use for which the container was intended.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Box
  • Date: late 15th century
  • Culture: Italian
  • Medium: Leather (Cuir bouilli), painted interior
  • Dimensions: Overall: 1 9/16 x 4 3/4 x 2 15/16 in. (4 x 12 x 7.4 cm)
  • Classification: Leatherwork
  • Credit Line: Gift of Harry G. Friedman, 1956
  • Object Number: 56.150a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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Box, Leather (Cuir bouilli), on wood core with textile interior, Italian
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Book Box, Cuir bouilli (tooled leather), polychromy, Italian
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15th century
Book Case, Leather (Cuir bouilli), Italian (?)
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15th century
Case, Cuir bouilli (tooled leather), tooled, green cord, French
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