Scenes of Romance

Carved with scenes of courtship, this casket would have held items such as jewels. The ‘hunter/prey’ aspect of courtship is shown by the female figure holding a rabbit or hare – symbols of both love and prey. Chess is also depicted because chess, like courtship, is a strategic game. Ivory was reserved for liturgical purposes until the late 13th century, when it became more readily available. France was the centre of ivory-carving expertise.