SICILY, 12TH CENTURY

Details

A SICULO-ARABIC GILT COPPER MOUNTED IVORY CASKET
SICILY, 12TH CENTURY
Of rectangular form with hinged coffered lid, the body formed of flat sheets of ivory painted with concentric red and black roundels some of which contain traces of engraved birds, the mounts with pointed foliate terminals, remnants of later added gilt copper band with engraved palmettes on top and around the sides of the lid, replaced lock plate, small chips to the ivory at the corners of the lid, otherwise intact
3 5/8 x 4 7/8 x 3½in. (9.2 x 12.4 x 8.9cm.)

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

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Lot Essay

A related casket, also attributed to Sicily, was exhibited in 1985 (The Unity of Islam, exhibition catalogue, London and Riyadh, 1985, no. 174, pp. 196-7). With slightly different proportions, it shares with the present example the use of concentric roundels as decoration. A very similar proportioned and decorated ivory casket attributed to 12th Century Sicily was sold at Christie's New York, 7 October 2008, lot 42. More recently two further Siculo-Arabic ivory caskets were sold in these Rooms, 10 February 2012, lots 703 and 704.

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