RO N A L D PHILLIPS
88 A SOUTH GERMAN ETCHED STEEL DOWRY CASKET A rare and unusual late 16th century south German etched steel dowry casket decorated overall with figures of a couple in 16th century dress and bordered with strapwork, having an arabesque etched sliding central bar concealing the keyhole. The interior reveals a blue velvet lined compartment and the exposed locking mechanism in the lid, consisting of seven spring loaded bolts operated by a single turn of the key, all meticulously decorated in arabesque strapwork and floral decoration. Note: This extraordinary casket of comparatively small size still retains its two original keys. A similar casket is in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. The subject matter of the etching underlines its original purpose as a dowry coffer, with guards protecting the lock in the lid whilst a female figure makes an offering to a male at the front of the chest. German, circa 1580 Height: 6 in; 15 cm Width: 13Âź in; 33.5 cm Depth: 8 in; 20.5 cm Provenance: Private collection, London.
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