Lot 1020 D ‡ α

A Siculo-Arabic engraved and painted ivory box

Ivory with remains of original polychromy, original gold-plated metal fittings. Oblong box with hinged lid. The outer surface adorned with pairs of birds, the lid with two large peacocks. Fitted with hinged mountings and a latch with a small round handle. A shrinkage crack to the cover due to the nature of the material, a minor chip to the back left corner. H 5.3, W 12.5, D 7.7 cm.
Southern Italy / Sicily, 12th / 13th C.