A museum quality engraved turned ivory box
Round moulded screw-top box engraved throughout with blackened miniatures. With hairline cracks and minor chips. H 3.5, D 8.7 cm.
Italy, 17th C.
In the centre of the top of the lid is an Adoration of the Shepherds, framed by a war scene with numerous figures against a city backdrop above. A banner runs around the outer rim: "NASCI. TV. MORIAM. NOI. ENCONCLVSIONE. NOI. ANDAREM' AL CIEL. TV. ALLA PASSIONE." All decorative zones are separated by mouldings.
The inside of the lid is structured in the same way, with a broad inscribed band framing a central blossom: "QVID VLTRA PRO TE FACERE POTVI, ETNON FECI". Around the outside of the box runs a frieze-like depiction of the Passion of Christ, reenacted by numerous figures and angels. Under the castle-like architecture is likely the signature of the (unknown) artist: "LVP. ANT. FASC. F."
The bottom of the box is decorated with a coat-of-arms with a crowned man's head, around the shield cartouche are sixamoretti with pinecone-like fruits.
The interior wall of the box is densely decorated with acanthus scrolls and birds. On the inner base is the central lamentation of Christ framed by two zones of foliate decoration, on the outside another band of lettering: "S. ATE. GIA. MORTE. I. LABRI. HA. CHIVST. AMORE. LAFERITA. CH' APPAR. BOCCA. E. DELCORE".
Certificate
Marketing authorisation for the EU internal market available.