Description

A beautifully decorated late 16th century cedar wood cassone from the Adige region of Italy.  Of single plank form the front panel elaborately decorated with punch work and pen work.  The left hand side of the front with a scene depicting an approaching army of Saracens, the opposing side with attacking Crusaders, representing the approaching armies of the battle of Antioch. The central  roundel with a Turk seated on a cushion with an elaborate border of birds within scrolling foliage above.  The lid opening to reveal the  strikingly decorated reverse in penwork of dragons and a double headed eagle.  Of low and slender proportions and with lovely rich patination.    Circa: 1580    Length: 156cm   Height: 56cm  Depth: 50cm