Medici Casket Sculpted With The Six-sphere Shield Emblem. Italy, 13th-14th Century.

Medieval chest carved in walnut, with the central lid featuring the Medici Coat of Arms with six applied and nailed spheres, five of which are now mutilated, between two Griffins. The shape of the late medieval coat of arms is protected by two opposing winged Griffins, symbolizing strength and majesty. Both on the front and on the back, an eagle holds two war axes in its talons. Medieval chest carved in walnut, with the central lid featuring the Medici Coat of Arms with six applied and nailed spheres, five of which are now mutilated, between two Griffins. The shape of the late medieval coat of arms is protected by two opposing winged Griffins, symbolizing strength and majesty. Both on the front and on the back, an eagle holds two war axes in its talons. Leafy volutes, shoots and two opposing pigeons, among rosettes and flowers enrich the panels. On the sides, a sculpted squared lattice decoration resembling a mosaic is featured. The walnut structure lacks its original lock. (30 x 10 x 12 cm h). The object bears a simple oblong coat of arms, in 14th-century Gothic style, and we can presume that it is one of the oldest known Medici representations.