NAVIGATION

A Finely Carved and Metal Mounted Casket ‘Minnekästchen’ with original lock plate 
Wood, steel, vellum lining 
Superb colour and patina 
Upper Rhine Germany 
14th Century 

Size: 11cm high, 24.5cm wide, 17cm deep - 4⅓ high, 9⅔ ins wide, 6⅔ ins deep 

cf: Old label to base, No. 23 .. (?) and etched number / date (?) 1541

Crafted in the Upper Rhine region during the 14th and 15th centuries, these caskets primarily served as betrothal vessels, with some instances of commemorative function. Characteristic of this period’s craftsmanship are the iron mounts and flower-head terminals. Frequently, the caskets are adorned with heraldic motifs or dedicatory inscriptions, often placed above intricate latticework backgrounds.

Private collection Switzerland 
Cesati, Tefaf, Maastricht 
Ex Private collection