179

Small box in ivory, Sicily, 15th – 16th century

Height x width x depth: 4.8 x 10.7 x 6 cm Total: 162 g
Antique small box made of elephant ivory (Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758 or Loxodonta africana Blumenbach, 1797), rectangular in shape with a slightly domed hinged lid. Made from thin, finely carved and assembled ivory plates, it features relief decoration across the entire surface, consisting of floral and geometric motifs arranged within medallions and symmetrical frames.
The metal elements, such as the handle, hinges, lock and chain, are made of wrought iron and retain traces of gilding. The interior is lined with well-preserved red velvet.
The work is part of the artistic tradition of southern Italy between the late Middle Ages and the early Renaissance, particularly in Sicily, where Islamic decorative influences persisted for a long time due to frequent exchanges with the Arab world. The quality of the carving, the modular structure and the ornamental style refer to Mudéjar and Fatimid motifs reinterpreted according to local sensibilities, revealing a hybrid and sophisticated material culture.
In the Middle Ages, Islamic luxury goods from the Middle East exerted a strong influence on Christian Europe, to the point of inspiring the production of local objects such as this casket. Probably intended to hold precious objects, it is a rare and significant example of Mediterranean decorative art, expressing the taste for the exotic and the marvellous that permeated the courts and aristocratic collections of the time.
This lot, accompanied by a CITES certificate and expertise issued by Ce.S.Ar Centro studi archeometici, is only available for sale with shipments within the European Union. (expertise Ce.S.Ar. 2025-208)
Provenance:
Count Luigi Rigi Luperti collection.
27/01/2026 00:55:30
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€ 1.500,00 / 2.000,00
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700,00 €
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Live auction 369

SILVER ANTIQUES, IVORIES, WUNDERKAMMER - Including selected Works of Art from the Count Luigi Rigi Luperti Collection

Palazzo Caetani Lovatelli, thu 19 February 2026
SINGLE SESSION 19/02/2026 Hours 15:00
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