Missal Box
Pieced and chiseled iron shell over wooden interior, 1490
The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs, Spencer Collection
Missal Box
Boxes, or caskets, like this one were created in France in the late 15th century to facilitate the movement of works of value, including missals, small illuminated books of prayers, and possibly jewelry. Decorated with open Gothic iron tracery, the rectangular wooden containers were both beautiful and strong. Iron rings on extant caskets suggest that the reasonably light boxes could be strung on leather belts and attached to a saddle, or suspended inside another larger chest to ensure safe transport.
: The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs, Spencer …
Currently on View at Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
The New York Public Library believes that this item is in the public domain under the laws of the United States, but did not make a determination as to its copyright status under the copyright laws of other countries. This item may not be in the public domain under the laws of other countries. Though not required, if you want to credit us as the source, please use the following statement, "From The New York Public Library," and provide a link back to the item on our Digital Collections site. Doing so helps us track how our collection is used and helps justify freely releasing even more content in the future.
