Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Jewel Casket
(18th and 19th Centuries )
In form, this casket resembles a Russian teremok, a medieval dwelling. On its lid, two confronting dragons with black wings and orange, brown, and green bodies trample a pair of green serpents, which, in turn, devour their attackers' tails. Mounted in the center is a table-cut amethyst. On the sides of the casket, griffins have been substituted for dragons, whereas on its ends, confronting griffins are emmeshed within interlace. Blue and turquoise are the ground colors for both the decorative panels and the teremok's "roof tiles." The casket is equipped with a lock (key missing) and is lined in crimson velvet. It stands on faceted bun feet.
Inscription
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
Christie’s, Geneva, May 15 1985, lot 287; purchased by Jean M. Riddell, Washington, D.C., May 22 1985 (through Leo Kaplan, New York, as agent); by bequest to Walters Art Museum, 2010.
Exhibitions
| 1987 | Old Russian Enamels. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond. |
Geographies
Russia, Moscow (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 4 1/2 x W: 6 1/2 x D: 4 7/8 in. (11.5 x 16.5 x 12.4 cm)
Credit Line
Bequest of Mrs. Jean M. Riddell, 2010
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
44.783