Chest
CultureByzantine
Date11th century
MediumCarved ivory with gilt copper alloy fittings
DimensionsOverall: 3 7/8 × 13 5/8 × 5 3/4 inches (9.84 × 34.61 × 14.61 cm)
Credit LinePurchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust
Object number49-38
On View
On viewGallery Location
- 106
Collections
DescriptionBox with sliding lid. Cover and four sides with series of applied square car carved plaques with warriors, hunters, etc. within border of alternating rosettes and portrait medallions.Gallery LabelThis rosette casket is part of a recognized group of caskets, small cases or chests, that originated in Byzantium for secular purposes but were also later produced in Italy for secular and non-secular use. The name derives from the eight-petaled rosettes that alternate with human heads in the style of ancient coins to compose the decorative borders. The caskets' framed panels often depict varied thematic motifs including figures drawn from biblical, mythological and classical sources. Here, ancient warriors mix with scenes from Genesis and possibly Hercules battling the mythical Nemean lion.
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