Casket

late 17th century

Not on view

This remarkable silver mounted ivory casket, complete with turned ivory ball feet, was undoubtedly conceived as a tour de force luxury object for display on a dresser or dais in the parlor of a wealthy expatriate’s residence in Dutch Asia. It would equally have been an object of wonder in a European setting. The ivory box is strengthened with silver fittings that reinforce the corners, lid and lock case, all detailed with exquisite repoussé, chasing and openwork. Both the design and motifs reflect an awareness of late seventeenth century Dutch silverwork and European engraved pattern books known to have been widely circulated.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Casket
Date: late 17th century
Culture: Sri Lanka, Sinhalese-Dutch
Medium: Ivory and Silver
Dimensions: H. 5 11/16 in. (14.5 cm); W. 7 7/8 in. (20 cm); L. 12 3/16 in. (31 cm)
Classification: Ivories
Credit Line: Purchase, Rogers Fund, by exchange and Florence and Herbert Irving Acquisitions Fund for Asian Art, 2024
Object Number: 2024.483a–c
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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