Jewel Casket

In form, this casket resembles a Russian teremok, a medieval dwelling. On its lid, two confronting dragons with black wings and orange, brown, and green bodies trample a pair of green serpents, which, in turn, devour their attackers' tails. Mounted in the center is a table-cut amethyst. On the sides of the casket, griffins have been substituted for dragons, whereas on its ends, confronting griffins are emmeshed within interlace. Blue and turquoise are the ground colors for both the decorative panels and the teremok's "roof tiles." The casket is equipped with a lock (key missing) and is lined in crimson velvet. It stands on faceted bun feet.