Saints and other figures
Casket
12th century-13th century (made)
12th century-13th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This casket is an example of the exchange of artistic ideas between Europe and the Middle East. It was made in Sicily or southern Italy. The painted and gilded decoration includes sirens, birds and Christian saints, all in the local style. But there is also an inscription in Arabic, which expresses good wishes for the owner.
In the medieval period, luxury goods from the Islamic Middle East found a ready market in Christian-ruled Europe. The prestige of these imports was so great that luxury goods made in Europe were often decorated in Islamic styles.
In the medieval period, luxury goods from the Islamic Middle East found a ready market in Christian-ruled Europe. The prestige of these imports was so great that luxury goods made in Europe were often decorated in Islamic styles.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Saints and other figures (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Carved ivory on wood, painted and gilt |
| Brief description | Ivory casket with Christian imagery as well as a blessing in Arabic, Sicily or southern Italy, 1100-1200. |
| Physical description | Wooden casket with a truncated pyramidal lid, covered with ivory panels decorated in outline and gilded with medallions containing a seated musician, animals and interlaced ornament; at either end is a siren with a cruciferous nimbus; in front two figures of standing saints holding books and long staves; on the edge of the lid is an inscription in naskhi script. On the ground are scattered bird and foliage designs. With gilt metal mounts. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | Naskhi inscription (On the front)
|
| Gallery label |
|
| Object history | Said to be from a church in Bari (Southern Italy); from the Thomas Gibson Carmichael collection, auctioned at Christie, Manson & Woods, London, 12–13 May 1902, lot 10; bought by the museum at auction via the dealers Messrs Durlacher Brothers of 142 Bond Street, London. |
| Production | Siculo-Arabic |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This casket is an example of the exchange of artistic ideas between Europe and the Middle East. It was made in Sicily or southern Italy. The painted and gilded decoration includes sirens, birds and Christian saints, all in the local style. But there is also an inscription in Arabic, which expresses good wishes for the owner. In the medieval period, luxury goods from the Islamic Middle East found a ready market in Christian-ruled Europe. The prestige of these imports was so great that luxury goods made in Europe were often decorated in Islamic styles. |
| Bibliographic references |
|
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 603-1902 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | October 26, 2004 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
