-
Box
unknown - Enlarge image
Box
- Place of origin:
Italy (made)
- Date:
16th century (made)
- Artist/Maker:
unknown (production)
- Materials and Techniques:
Wood box overlaid with bone and inlaid in bone ebony and mahogany with a brass clasp and handle
- Credit Line:
Murray Bequest
- Museum number:
A.1071-1910
- Gallery location:
In Storage
The geometric pattern on the lid and sides is an interesting example of creating a three dimensional effect by juxtaposing lighter and darker pieces of wood - an art at which the Italians excelled. Both the materials and the design of this box show the influence of the Islamic world upon the manufacture of luxury objects in Italy in the 16th century. The trade routes between states like Venice and the cities of the eastern Mediterranean resulted in a two-way cultural exchange that profoundly affected art and design. The geometric inlay of coloured woods and bone is similar in style to the designs found on Islamic woodwork.
