Box with Scenes of Floris and Blancheflour
Date: about 1350
Dimensions:
4 1/2 x 6 1/2 x 4 1/2 in. (11.4 x 16.5 x 11.4 cm)
Medium: Ivory with copper mounts
Place of Origin: Northern France or Flanders
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1950.302
Label Text:This casket illustrates scenes from one of the most popular medieval Romances, Floris and Blancheflour. Rooted in the meeting of cultures and faiths, the story recounts the enduring love between Floris, the son of the Muslim king of Al-Andalus (Spain), and his childhood companion, Blancheflour, the daughter of a French Christian slave who was enslaved herself and sold to foreign traders by Floris’ parents. Their separation appears on either side of the casket’s lock. Depicting the Muslim prince’s heroic attempts to reunite with his beloved, this luxury casket would have made a perfect lover’s gift. Though its origins are unclear, the story was translated into several languages and appeared throughout Europe, including France, Italy, Spain, England, and Sweden.
DescriptionCasket with arches, 2 registers (coffret; frise d'arcatures);
Original fittings, strap mounts ending in fleur-de-lis and decorated with flowers.
Original fittings, strap mounts ending in fleur-de-lis and decorated with flowers.
On view
In Collection(s)