Case, Italian, 1400-1500

Bolied and sewn leather case with later iron hinges and hasp

Given by Dr W.L. Hildburgh

Notes by W.A.Thorpe c1959:
W.10-1946

CASE (for vessel of Holy Oil) Bolied and sewn leather, with later (but pristine) iron hinges and hasp.

Rectangular plan (ichnography). Cap and container each in portions joined by raised seams. Shut-over cap consisting of one pair of layers, the outer decorated partly in the romanesque style, and fitted at the ends with round eyes, corresponding with Eyes on the container, for a thong, long wanting.

Embushment container consisting of one pair of layers (the outer decorated in relief in the romanesque style) and of three inner layers.

Top and ends decorated with a hatched pattern.

On the front of the cap, 2 panels containing a hare pursued by a hound. On the front of the container four square panels containing one the upper tier (1) the Agnus Dei and (2) a horse passant (?) and in the lower tier (3-4), confronting quadrupeds. On the rear of the case a semee [semée, powdered] of branched roundels, six by six, each containing a bird (dove for grace?)

No lining

ITALIAN; about 14th century

Given by Dr W.L. Hildburgh F.S.A.

General Remarks

Iron hinges of date about the 15th century affixed to the cap at a pristine date probably to replace the wanting thong and to prevent loss of the cap. Acquired by donor in Italy.

No negative (1956)

W.10-1946