A fine late 16th century walnut jewel box or cassina of sarcophagus form. It is profusely decorated with fine carving, the top showing a naked Aphrodite with cupid about to shoot her with love's arrow and the four sides show her holding a spilling vessel, probably to represent lost virginity. Additional carved decoration shows typical Renaissance motifs and it stands on its original lion's paw feet. Excellent colour and patination. See Schottmuller "Furniture and Decoration of the Italian Renaissance" page 65 fig E for a similar example described as being in the Simon Collection, Berlin. 18 inches wide x 13 inches deep x 9 1/2 inches high.
Ref: 9314
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