Box, 15th century
MediumBeech; carved
(H x W)11,5 × 28 cm
About the workEach side of this box features a different image depicting carved mythical creatures, which give the object a magical feel. These fantastical figures, including dragons and a phoenix, were supposed to protect people, animals and even buildings from the effects of witchcraft and other malevolent forces. In the Middle Ages, there was a widespread superstition that those with magical powers could bring others bad luck simply by looking at them. As a result, people tried to ward off misfortune with objects such as these.
AccessionAcquired 1927 from the Kunstgewerbemuseum
Provenance[...]; bis 31.7.1903 C. Altmann, Frankfurt a.M.; 31.7.1903 - 1927 ehem. Kunstgewerbemuseum Düsseldorf (1883-1927), angekauft von C. Altmann; 1927 übernommen aus dem Kunstgewerbemuseum
Inventory numberP 18294
