An Italian boarded cedar casket, Alto-Adige 16th century

the altered associated lid with poker-work borders and penwork decoration including foliate motifs, the reverse of the lid with a couple kissing, a further couple and a musician in a rural idyll, the front of the casket with reserves centred by birds with foliate motifs flanking a keyhole and tablet motif, on bun feet

Pleasing colour and patination. The lid is associated and each side has been cut and is now secured to each side allowing the central section of the hinged lid to open, it has a split to the left side. Decoration on the surface of the lid is rubbed. The decoration on the reverse of the lid is very good and crisp. Traces of worm to the underside. One front foot chipped.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For a comparative casket see Victor Chinnery, Oak Furniture, The British Tradition, Woodbridge, 1979, p. 354, fig. 3:356. The example features almost identical bird motifs.

There are two similar examples in Italian collections. See Claudio Paolini, La Collezione Herbert Percy Horne, Florence, 2002, p. 77, no. 15, inv. 976. This is illustrated and described as central Italian and 16th century. The other example is in the Museo d'Arte Applicante in Milan.