Box — ca. 1460

Gilt gesso cylindrical box, decortated on the sides with 6 medallions of a reclining stag, and decorated with scolls of painted carnations.The lid is decorated with carnation scrolls, linking two reclining stag medallions with two coats of arms, one of a rampant bull on the left and one of six rocks and a crucifix on the right, both identified by W.H.Pollen with Buondelmonte family. The edge of the lid is decorated with beading and its side with encircled gilt gesso stars (or 6 lobed flowers) with carnation scrolls in between. In the centre of the lid is an empty space and a square hole. Presumably it was originally fitted with a knob or pommel to help lift the lid. The box is made up of a pliable strip of wood, wound round a disc-like base and nailed into position.Note that the gilded surface is enhanced with punch work. Lined with green silk over gesso. The underside of the bottom is gilded, with punched decoration of scrolling foliage (similar to textile patterns). There is no evidence that feet were once attached. Note The lid rim is 2mm thick, the box rim 5mm. The rim looks like poplar or willow. There is an in-fill repair (22cm) around the rim, where silk lining has been removed.