Leather case with metal mounts for a book of hours; probably Catalan, 1345-1420

Wood, covered with moulded leather and fitted with wrought iron mounts. The panel in the centre of the lid and the four sloping sides are all decorated with leafy scrollwork in whorls. Three long iron hinge bands enriched with rosettes pass over the box and lid and terminate in front in three hasps, the centre one fitting into a lock plate. On the lid are two similar rosette ornaments, a border with scalloped upper edge and a ring drop handle on the top. The bottom of the box is strengthened with three cross bands, terminating on each side with six rosettes, from which is suspended a drop handle (one missing). There are also angle pieces overlaid with rosettes. The inside is lined with red leather.

Bought from Messrs Rollin & Feuardent, 6 Bloomsbury Street, W.6. on 29th May 1903, £13. 2s. 6d. (see p520 lot 65); condition 'Much worn and damaged, handle missing'; attribution 'German, 15th century'
Assigned to Woodwork dept.

RP 1903/12169 = MA/1/R1475 Rollin & Feuardent, Messrs
See p520 attached for further remarks.

The origin of this type of chest is uncertain; German (15th century) and French (14th century) attributions have both been offered in the past. Felix de la Fuente Andrés (see reference) argues that this type of case - of which around 30 have been identified - was made to contain a small book, possibly private devotional books of hours 1345-1420. A concentration around Barcelona suggests a possible origin in that city.

Comparable boxes
V&A 159-1894

527-1903