180

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

Height x width x depth: 4.5 x 11 x 6 cm Total: 132 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 finely carved and assembled ivory plates, it is decorated across its entire surface with floral and geometric relief 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 work belongs to the tradition of southern Italy between the late Middle Ages and the early Renaissance, with particular reference to Sicily, where Islamic decorative influences remained alive as a result of intense contact with the Arab world.

The quality of the carving, the modular structure and the ornamental repertoire recall Mudejar and Fatimid motifs reinterpreted according to local tastes.

During the Middle Ages, luxury goods from the Middle East exerted a profound influence on Christian Europe, giving rise to local productions inspired by Islamic models, as demonstrated by this type of casket.

Probably intended to hold precious objects, the artefact is a rare example of Mediterranean decorative art, expressing the taste for the exotic and the marvellous that characterised the aristocratic courts and noble 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. 2025-209)

Provenance:
Count Luigi Rigi Luperti collection.