Large Mesh Box Known As A “messenger Box.” Circa 1490

Re-drilled and chiseled wrought iron, with a wooden core. Southern France or Catalonia, late 14th century, circa 1490

H: 15 cm W: 21 cm D: 30 cm

This remarkable box, of exceptional craftsmanship, exemplifies the skill of the metalworkers of the South of France in the late Middle Ages. Its solid oak frame is entirely sheathed in re-pierced and chiseled iron plates, forming an openwork decoration of orb-and-spire motifs composed of small rosettes, typical of southern workshops active around 1490.

The double-bolted lock, richly molded and guilloché in the shape of a pinnacle, frames a stylized tree of life surmounted by a heart, a symbol of fidelity and protection. Two movable rings adorn each side, allowing for the transport of this chest, which was intended for messengers or travelers.

The piece captivates with the precision of its construction, the finesse of the perforated work, and the deep patina of the iron, all testifying to its age. There are a few minor missing pieces that do not affect the overall appearance of the object.

Related

An almost identical chest is housed at the Musée de Cluny (National Museum of the Middle Ages, Paris), from the Alexandre du Sommerard collection, catalog number Cl.502.

In good overall condition. Sold with a certificate of authenticity