Gilt brass jewel casket in the manner of Michel or Conradt Mann, 17th centu

A gilt brass jewel casket in the manner of Michel or Conradt Mann.

South German, early 17th century.

Measures 6.5 x 5.5 x 4.5cm.

This beautiful little strongbox is extensively engraved to its exterior with fruiting bouquets and angels. The lid of the casket is engraved with a man and woman, most likely a husband and wife as this casket would most likely have been given as a wedding gift. The interior of the of the casket bears a complicated lock with four latches, operating in unison when the key is turned.

There are some restorations and the key is later, however the casket is in full working order.

Provenance:
By repute Sir R.E. Mortimer Wheeler, Director of the National Museum of Wales from 1920 to 1926, and Keeper of the London Museum from 1926 to 1944

This casket belongs to a group of caskets of similar design and decoration, many of which bear the signature of either Michel or Conradt Mann. Nothing appears to be recorded about the latter, but the similarity of his signed work to that of Michel's suggests that they worked together. Michel was born in Augsburg and trained in Nuremberg, where he died circa 1630.

There is a similar example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number: 83.1.148.