CIRCA 1655

Details

A CHARLES II NEEDLEWORK AND STUMPWORK-EMBROIDERED TRAVELLING CASKET
CIRCA 1655
The domed lid and reverse decorated with floral designs, the front and sides with arched panels with elegant ladies, the blue silk-lined reverse of the lid with a removable mirror panel concealing a door with gilt inscription 1:2, the reverse of the doors with gilt inscriptions 1655 and S:C, enclosing an arrangement of drawers and two concealed drawers
16.5 cm. high x 26 cm. wide x 18 cm. deep

Special notice

Christie’s charges a premium to the buyer on the Hammer Price of each lot sold at the following rates: 29.75% of the Hammer Price of each lot up to and including €5,000, plus 23.8% of the Hammer Price between €5,001 and €400,000, plus 14.28% of any amount in excess of €400,001. Buyer’s premium is calculated on the basis of each lot individually.

Lot Essay

English embroidery as worked by the ladies of the house would often depict biblical scenes conveying appropriate lessons on the role and status of women in society in accord with the Protestant teachings of the day. Cautionary tales, such as the Judgement of Paris that warned of the dangers of Vanity and the choice of earthly pleasures over more Godly pursuits, were also typical. Some of the more usual exemplary biblical role models depicted in such embroidery included Judith, Abigal and Susanna. Design sources for such depictions came from a wide variety of sources, including prints, paintings, enamels and even literature such as Thomas Heywood's The Exemplary Lives and Memorable Acts of Nine of the Most Worthy Women of the World.

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