Spanish, late 15th/ early 16th century and later

the front inscribed: IHECUS MARIA; the leather engraved with foliate decoration and a banderol with text on the lid

Overall the condition of the casket is good with wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age and handling. The leather panels at the reverse and sides are probably later since they are differently worked and stylistically not consistent with the rest of the casket. Therefore the core may also have been renewed. There is stable splitting to the leather consistent with material, including larger splits to the top half of the panel on the front and around the handle on the lid. The panels on the sides and reverse have wear throughout. There are a few losses and splits to the iron mounts including to that on the left side of the lid and several of the shells. The lock is missing its key. The fabric on the exterior has staining and discolourations. There is wear to the velvet on the interior. Sections of velvet have been replaced to both corners at the front.
"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."

The shell-shaped, architectural and openwork iron mounts feature on a small number of domed leather clad caskets in Spanish museums, including the Fundación Lázaro Galdiano and the Museo Arqueológico Nacional in Madrid. More common are caskets such as that sold at Sotheby's New York on 26 January 2012 (lot 264), on which similar mounts are set on a wood core covered with red velvet. The present casket combines both these types.

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Sella i Montserrat (ed.), L'art del ferro. Rusiñol i el col-leccionisme del seu temps, exh. cat. Edifici Miramar, Sitges, 2007, pp. 141, 143, 145, and 169, nos. 125, 128, and 132