Knife case and lid, Italian, 1520-1540, embossed leather, inscribed AMADIO

Knife case of leather (cuir bouilli) embossed and shaped with trophies of arms and other decoration. On the side is the inscription AMADIO.

COVERED CASE for carving-knife, trencher knife and other instruments. Wrought and sewn leather, formerly brown, now sable. Cap consisting of two pairs of layers of leather, the outermost layer wrought ornamentally. Container consisting of one pair of layers, the other layer wrought ornamentally.

Cap and container of rounded plan, of form fitting contents (long wanting), and tapering towards a point at the lower end. Cap fitting inside container. Partitions in containers long wanting. Cap and container not now lined.

Panels of cap and container in smooth slight relief against a stippled ground. On the front, at the top, a grotesque winged figure symmetrically delineated, and a blank heraldic shield of italian form, above a pendant of military trophies, musical instruments and theatre masks. On the rear, a bundle of trophies and a standing classical figure, above another pendant incorporating the initials SPQ, for SPQR (Senatus Populusque Romanus) On the right hand side, a panel containing the name AMADIO in roman letter. On both sides, vertical zig-zag pattern stippled, and ornamental panels.

In plain panels of cap and container, two pairs of eyes for a narrow thong long wanting.

Notes by W.A.Thorpe c1959:
7760-1863

7760:1 case
776:2 lid

COVERED CASE, for carving-knife trencher-knife, and other knives.

Boiled leather; formerly brown, now sable. Flat-topped fit-in cap consisting of two pans of layers, the outermost layer decorated in relief. Container consisting of one pair of layers, the outermost layer similarly decorated.

On top of the cap, a shield on crossed trumpets. On the obverse of the cap, a lorica [breastplate], below a barbouta [?], on crossed swords. On the reverse of the cap, a grotesque winged satyr -figure, sejant. At the sides of the cap, a pair of plain eyes, corresponding with a pair of eyes on the container, for a thong, long wanting.

On the obverse (carving knife)side of the container, below a nude running athlete bearing a torch in flame, pendent italianate trophies, including lorica on crossed trumpets, a theatre mask, and a tablet bearing the letters SPQ for SPQR, for Senatus Populusque Romunus. On the reverse of the container. On the reverse of the container, below a blank shield, for arms, on crossed scimitars, a pendent including a winged lorica, a theatre -mask, and other symbolical items.

On the right-hand side, a panel containing the name AMADIO, in roman capitals, probably for purchaser or owner.

Probably ROMAN; early 16th century

Height (cap and container) : 14 inches (36 cm)

Width (container): 3 5/8 inches (9cm)

Depth (cap): 3 ¼ inches (8.5 cm)

Compare 102 - 1891

7760:1 to 2-1863