Case, bone and ivory on wood core, for knifes or spoons, or liturgical instruments, Italian, ca. 1650

Case for a spoon or knife, formed of two pieces of bone. The standing crucified Christ is shown holding a cross, wityh two kneeling figures, one of whom holds a chalice, into which the blood pours from his wounds; the other kneeling figure holds the crown of thorns. Four cherubim are hovering above in the sky. Underneath is a cartouche depicting a monastic saint holding a crozier. On the other side a Pope blesses a kneeling man. Bands of foliage scrolls form the surround. Beneath is a black cartouche, perhaps originally intended to display a coat of arms. The conical base has panels engraved with foliage, alternating with plain panels. The sides of the case are pierced with holes for the attachment of a thong. The circular support is edged with a decorative bone surround. At the base of the holder are two further decorative borders, these pierced with holes. The engraved designs are likewise filled with black mastic or ink.

Given by Sir Charles Wyndham Murray, K.C.B., 10 Rutland Gate, SW7 in 1922.

This case for a knife or spoon was made in ca. 1650 in Italy. The standing crucified Christ is shown holding a cross, wityh two kneeling figures, one of whom holds a chalice, into which the blood pours from his wounds; the other kneeling figure holds the crown of thorns. Four cherubim are hovering above in the sky. The holder may have had a liturgical function. The style and form both suggest it is Italian, and dates from the mid-seventheenth century (for a similar object see: A.18-1922).

A.19-1922