Reliquary box

Reliquary box

Probably Italy, circa 12th century

Engraved and tinted bone, cut into slabs attached to a wooden core with small steel nails. Rectangular with truncated pyramidal lid with hinged boxes. The wooden body, to which fine bone plates are applied, is engraved and tinted with rosettes framed by friezes of concentric circles. The bronzed metal mounts at the ends are decorated with flowers and the lock was added later, probably in the modern era. 13.5 x 18 x 9 cm Provenance : Former collection from Northern Italy. The flat, geometric and abstract style of the motifs on this reliquary is similar to the ivory carvings and architectural decoration of Northern Italy. It is possible that this reliquary has been transformed over time. For a model with similar decorative elements, including rosettes, overall shape and concentric circles, see Metropolitan Museum of Art, Inv. n°53.19.2. A gilt metal mounted bone casket, probably Italy, circa 12th century.