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Casket

16th century
Object PlaceVenice, Italy
Medium/TechniqueStraw marquetry on colored paper, pine
DimensionsOverall: 20.3 x 43.2 x 17.8 cm (8 x 17 x 7 in.)
Credit LineMuseum purchase with funds donated by Mrs. Charles Gaston Smith's Group
Accession number40.234
On View
On view
ClassificationsFurniture
Collections
Description
Jewels, belts, and lace collars all might have been contained in this box, possibly given as a wedding or betrothal gift and then used in the bedroom to store these treasures.
ProvenanceStefano Bardini (dealer; b. 1836– d. 1922), Florence [see note 1]. By 1939, purchased in Florence by French and Company, New York [see note 2]; 1940, sold by French and Co. to the MFA for $400. (Accession Date: May 9, 1940)

NOTES:
[1] According to the curatorial recommendation for purchase, this casket was "formerly at Bardini's." [2] See Arts of the Middle Ages (exh. cat., MFA Boston, February 17 - March 14, 1940), cat. no. 313.