Octagonal casket

This precious octagonal casket with a pyramidal lid, made of carved ebony, ivory and bone, is the work of the famous workshop of the Embriachi family, the founder of which, Baldassare, is famous as the creator of the ivory reredos of the Charterhouse of Pavia. The lid bears carved allegories of the virtues, alternating with the crests of the patrons, while on the side we find lively scenes taken from mythological tales with amorous subjects. This casket was probably made as a gift to seal a nuptial pact and was designed for use as a coffer for jewellery.