A French champlevé enamel casket, probably a chrismatory, circa 1200-1220, Limoges

decorated with demi-figures of angels emerging from clouds within roundels, with zoomorphic appliques at the clasp and four corners of the roof.

Brimo de Laroussilhe, Paris, early 1930s
The Frits Philips Collection, Sold Sotheby's Amsterdam, December 4th, 2006, lot 432

E. Bertrand, Émaux Limousins du Moyen Âge, Brimo de Laroussilhe, Paris, 1995, no. 43

One hinge detached. Rubbing and wear throughout. Some small chips and losses to enamel throughout. Restoration to lost blue ground enamel on all panels. One larger chip on front of lid near right angel. Some pins on underside lacking. Stable, lovely quality.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The Chrismatory originally contained Holy Oils and would have had an interior fitted for their inclusion. The demi-figures of angels can be stylistically compared to those on a Chrismatory in the Metropolitan Museum in New York, although the present example does not have the applied copper heads.

RELATED LITERATURE

Enamels of Limoges 1100-1350, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1996, nos. 72-74