Coffret

Unknown

19th century · Boxwood with silver mounts and lock · The Cloisters

The Latin inscription on the silver plate set in the top of this box, or coffret, reads, "But passing through the midst of them He went away." This passage from Luke (4:29–30) refers to Christ's passing safely through the crowd that was threatening to throw him from the hill on which Nazareth was built. The passage was often invoked for safety in travel and is appropriate for a box intended for jewelry or other valuables. The origin of the unusual pierced woodwork is uncertain.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

Boxwood with silver mounts and lock

Culture

Eurasian

Department

The Cloisters

Credit line

The Cloisters Collection, 1955