Italy, ca. 1700. Wooden box (16.5 x 17.0 x 9.2 cm). With mother-of-pearl and brass thread inlays. Brass hook and handle.

An elegant, neat little box, covered with delicate mother-of-pearl and brass floral patterns. It was probably used for preserving and carrying a missal, breviary, book of prayer, or perhaps even jewelry. Showing some signs of age and wear, but generally in very good condition. A few tiny worm holes in the rear panel, the metal threads partly incomplete, one side panel lacking one inlay, otherwise hardly showing the wear of time. A very fine item.