Certosina Coffer

Artist Unknown

CultureItalian

Dateca. 1440-80

MediumStained bone, ebony, walnut, and fruitwood on a pine core with iron and silk

DimensionsOverall: 5 7/8 x 9 13/16 x 6 7/8 in. (15 x 25 x 17.5 cm)

Credit LineGift of the Irene Leache Memorial Foundation, in celebration of the Memorial's 100th Anniversary

Object number2014.3.26

On View

Chrysler Museum of Art, Gallery 201

DescriptionThis is a small coffer of inlaid bone, stained bone, ebony, walnut, fruitwood on a pine core with iron and silk. It has a small silver key in the center.

Label TextCertosina Coffer, ca. 1440–80 Italian Stained bone, ebony, walnut, and fruitwood on a pine core with iron and silk Designed to store jewelry or other precious objects, this elaborate box was itself a luxury item likely made as a bridal gift for a 15th-century Italian lady. Indeed, a cloth bag would have accompanied the box to ensure it was properly protected when it traveled. With its certosina technique—the inlay of tiny, precisely cut pieces of stained bone and fine woods— and tight geometric patterning, the box exhibits Middle Eastern influence. Such designs would have seemed exotic to an Italian buyer and enhanced its allure. Gift of the Irene Leache Memorial Foundation, in celebration of the Memorial’s 100th Anniversary 2014.3.26 ProvenanceBlumka Gallery, New York; Purchase by Irene Leache Memorial, in celebration of the Memorial's 100th anniversary, 2001; loan to Chrysler Museum of Art, December 2001; gift of the Irene Leache Memorial Foundation to the Chrysler Museum of Art, March 2014. Published ReferencesJulius Böhler and Blumka Gallery, _Collecting Treasures of the Past Recent Acquisitions_, auc. cat., New York City, New York, 2000: no. 30.