An exceptionally rare and historically fascinating Venetian Baroque casket, dating from the late 17th century, circa 1680–1700.
Handcrafted in carved wood and gesso, the casket has a striking early Baroque architectural form with strongly profiled mouldings and pronounced vertical corner ribs. The exterior retains its wonderfully aged gilding, together with contrasting deep black painted panels and a rich, untouched patina created over more than three centuries.
Perhaps the most remarkable feature is the lid, which still retains its original 17th-century silk and silver brocade. Once a warm golden-yellow textile enriched with silver and gold threads, the fabric has naturally faded and worn with age, yet its original weave and precious metallic threads remain clearly visible. A later 19th-century covering was carefully removed, revealing the original textile and construction beneath after having been hidden for possibly more than a century.
The original upholstery is equally fascinating. Beneath the brocade is a secondary textile layer stretched over horsehair padding, reinforced with early iron pins. Traces of the original animal glue remain visible—a rare glimpse into 17th-century craftsmanship.
Opening the casket reveals a spectacular architectural interior formed like a classical arched palace niche. The back is lined with extremely thin, early hand-printed green paper decorated with floral motifs and traces of gold. Such decorative papers became an important luxury product in northern Italy and are closely associated with the celebrated printing traditions of the Remondini workshops in Bassano.
At the centre of the niche is a recessed rectangular wooden panel where an original element once sat—possibly a small devotional image, miniature mirror or other personal object. Below are two concealed semi-circular compartments, originally opened by small leather tabs and perhaps intended for precious personal possessions such as perfume bottles, sewing accessories or devotional objects.
Traces of the original pink interior decoration can still be seen, allowing us to imagine how extraordinary the casket must once have appeared: warm golden brocade woven with metallic threads on the outside, and a delicate combination of pink, gold and printed paper within.
This was clearly a costly, individually handcrafted object, very likely made for a wealthy Venetian lady. Far removed from the later and more commonly encountered 18th-century Arte Povera boxes, it represents an earlier Baroque tradition in both construction and decoration.
The casket remains in an honest, unrestored antique condition. It shows extensive wear, losses, and the inevitable traces of more than 320 years of history. The central interior element is no longer present. No modern restoration has been carried out, preserving the remarkable authenticity, construction, and historic patina of this rare survivor.
A museum-worthy object and a fascinating piece for the serious collector of early Venetian decorative arts, historic textiles, and European Baroque objects.
Origin: Venice, Italy
Period: Late 17th century, circa 1680–1700
Materials: Carved wood, gesso, gilt decoration, painted lacquer, original silk and silver brocade, horsehair, and early hand-printed decorative paper
Condition: Authentic unrestored antique condition with extensive age-related wear and losses. Central interior element missing.
