17th Century Italian Baroque Carved, Gilt & Polychrome Sarcophagus Form Reliquary Casket

An exceptional 17th-century Italian Baroque reliquary casket, deeply richly carved, parcel-gilded and retaining extensive original polychrome decoration.

The casket takes the form of a small sarcophagus, reflecting the form of a tomb or funerary monument within the church. Reliquary caskets of this type formed part of the rich tradition of Italian ecclesiastical furnishings, where they could be placed upon or associated with an altar, providing a precious and appropriately reverential enclosure for relics and other sacred church treasures.

Highly architectural in its conception, the canted sarcophagus-shaped lid and body are deeply carved throughout with vigorous scrolling Baroque foliage. Applied turned baluster finials punctuate the upper section, with further carved elements projecting dramatically from each corner, the whole raised upon six turned bun feet.

The wonderfully aged surface retains extensive gilding alongside rich passages of red and darker polychrome decoration.

The front folds down and retains its original lock and ironwork, while substantial iron carrying handles remain to either side, allowing the casket and its precious contents to be moved when required.

Most remarkable is the interior. In complete contrast to the richly carved exterior, it is plain and entirely lined in reflective gold leaf, much of which survives in exceptionally well-preserved condition. The gilding creates a luminous interior for the sacred objects once housed within, while its remarkable preservation suggests that its contents were carefully placed and removed.

The casket may have held relics directly, contained a separate reliquary, or housed precious church treasures such as a chalice, sacred vessels or other important liturgical objects. The combination of its sarcophagus form, secure construction and richly gilded interior is entirely appropriate to this sacred purpose.

The symbolism of the sarcophagus is fundamental to the design. By reproducing the form of a tomb or monument within the church, the casket provided both a physical and symbolic enclosure for its sacred contents, while the profusion of Baroque carving, polychromy and gilding transformed it into an object of considerable devotional presence.

Condition: Excellent historic condition with expected age-related wear and losses to the gilded and polychrome decoration. The gold-leaf interior survives remarkably well. Original lock and substantial iron side carrying handles retained. The naturally time-worn surface is integral to the character of the piece.