Embriachi workshop, Italian, Venice, mid-15th century

L. Martini, "Bottega degli Embriachi". Cofanetti e cassettine tra Gotico e Rinascimento, Brescia, 2001, pp. 48-51, no. 8

Overall the condition of the casket is very good. There is some minor wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are losses and chips to the lower edge and corners of the casket. The narrow wood border above the bone sections on the lower edge is largely lost. There are a few lost mosaic sections, some of which have been replaced or otherwise restored. One of the reliefs with an angel on the one of the short side of the lid has a restored fissure in its centre. The decorative hinges and lock and the green velvet lining and laminate on the inside are replaced.
"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."

Betrothal caskets were exchanged at important Renaissance weddings. The present type would have been a bride's box: a small chest in which a woman could collect her marriage jewellery, letters from her lover and other precious tokens of their sacred bond. The reliefs illustrating the story of Susanna (book of Daniel) were meant to remind the couple of marital virtuousness.

Susannah was a married woman who was spied upon by two male Elders whilst bathing. The pair threatened to accuse her of adultery with a young lover unless she agreed to have relations with them. Susanna remained steadfast and would not compromise herself. She was arrested and about to be put to death when a young man named Daniel intervened on her behalf. He separated the Elders and questioned them about the details of Susanna's so-called tryst. However, when the old men's stories proved inconsistent, Susanna was set free with her virtue intact and the two men were put to death.

The Embriachi workshop was founded by Baldassare degli Embriachi in Venice in the early 15^th century. It specialised in caskets which consist of wood carcases mounted with small reliefs of ivory or cow bone and certosina word borders. 

RELATED LITERATURE
L. Syson and D. Thornton, Objects of Virtue. Art in Renaissance Italy, London, 2001, pp. 58-61, figs. 41-2