Casket (coffanetto or scrigno)

Date: ca. 1570–90

Culture: Italian, Venice

Medium: Beechwood, Honduras rosewood veneer, partially gilded, painted and lacquered, gold powder, gold leaf, silver flakes, silver-gilt handle

Dimensions: Overall (confirmed): 7 3/4 x 16 7/16 x 11 3/8 in. (19.7 x 41.8 x 28.9 cm);
Height (with handle): 10 3/8 in. (26.4 cm)

Classification: Woodwork-Furniture

Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1957

Accession Number: 57.25a, b

Description

The dark rosewood was lacquered with a transparent varnish and decorated with a dense arabesque pattern in gold leaf, lending the casket a distinctly Ottoman flavor. It was fitted with a removable tray, and the interior space was divided into various compartments for toiletries. The removable mirror in the lid gives access to a hidden storage compartment.

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