French antique silvered bronze and enamel casket

The silvered bronze casket is of rectangular form, mounted to the four corners with caryatids of cherubs leading downward to intricately scrolling foliate feet.

The top and each of the four sides of the casket are set with rectangular enamel panels, featuring rich, bright colours that give the casket a gem-like appearance. The enamel panels depict wealthy ladies in brightly coloured Renaissance style dresses walking and seeking entertainment in a romantic, shadowy pleasure garden. The enamel painting is exceptionally fine, and the details in the flowers, trees and foliage in the garden are rendered with immense precision. The panel to the top of the casket is signed by the artist to the lower right 'L. Cotteutz'.

The top of the casket is hinged and can be opened with a key to reveal a plush burgundy red velvet lined interior, ideally used for the storage of jewellery or other precious objects.