Box, 15th century

Beech; carved

(H x W)11,5 × 28 cm

Status

not on display

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

Late Gothic

Contact

sammlung@kunstpalast.de

Permalink

https://sammlung.kunstpalast.de/objects/53023/kasten

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