Rectangular on four leaf-capped bun feet, the sides engraved with six oval cartouches depicting allegorical figures of Faith, Hope, Charitas, Love and a male and female figure, the hinged domed cover with a marriage scene, all among scrolling and flowering foliage, the sides of the cover engraved with winged putto masks, with a squared bail handle and fitted with a putto mask lock, marked on underside
3¹⁄₈ in. (7.9 cm.) wide
4 oz. 16 dwt. (149 gr.)

Anonymous sale; Christie's, Amsterdam, 16 May 2000, lot 313.

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Lot Essay

By Frisian tradition a man proposed to his beloved by presenting her a number of coins tied together in a costly cloth. This so-called knottedoek, or 'knotted cloth', was replaced in the early 17th century by a silver casket, which by analogy was called a knottekistje, or 'knot box'. The most common type is the trunk-shaped casket on four ball supports with a domed cover and a swing handle. Many, including the present lot, are delicately engraved with symbolic love and marriage scenes.