Doe and Hope

Description

The lid with a border of intertwining flourishes, with vines, grapes, leaves, and flowerheads, enclosing a central panel composed of six medallions describing mediaeval scenes of beneficent men offering alms to the poor and needy, the medallions themselves created through the use of a single rope twist border, accompanied by various birds and other animals with decorative clasps and hinges affixing the lid to the body. The lid opens to a sumptuous blue silk lined and padded button backed interior for storing treasured items.

The sides of the casket are divided into three friezes divided by beaded rows, the upper and lower frieze of various floral motifs, the middle frieze including birds, panthers and mythical beasts amongst foliage and vine twists. The casket sits on fine splayed feet, and the underside is stamped