This is a set of two pierced ivory panels from a casket made in the second half of the fourteenth century in France (Paris). The panels are divided into two compartments in each of which is seated the figure of a man or a woman; the former hold falcons, one of the latter a little dog. Above are elaborate architectural canopies.
The panels have been associated with three others, all showing two standing pairs of male and female figures, and it is extremely likely that they all come from one casket.

From about 1320 onwards, ivory caskets featuring secular subject matter began to be produced in substantial numbers, often sharing the imagery to be found on mirror backs. Some of the earlier examples are also some of the grandest, and must have been aimed at a wealthy clientele. The nature of the subject matter, which almost always concentrates on courtly love, chivalry and romance, indicates that the caskets were used for the exchange of courtship and wedding gifts. The most important type among the early caskets was what has become known as the ‘composite’ casket, illustrating more than one secular tale. This group of large and impressive caskets, of which at least eight examples survive, illustrate a variety of secular tales and themes. The primary function was not to stimulate memories of the viewers, but to delight and entertain.