Copper alloy casket known as 'The Liberal Arts Casket'
c.1180-1200
A casket with hinged and hipped roof. It is made from copper alloy plaques soldered together which are decorated by engraving, champlevé, enamelling and gilding. The roof is decorated with foliage. The box sides are decorated with six medallions containing personifications of the Liberal Arts plus Philosophy and Nature; each figure is identified by a Latin inscription. This view shows Grammar, a woman with her boy pupil and (right) Rhetoric and Music.
Dimensions: H.61, L.101, D.53mm

Bibliography :
Stratford, N., 1984. in G. Zarnecki, J. Holt, and T. Holland, English Romanesque Art, (Arts Council of Great Britain) 270-1, 287
Location and accession details :
London Victoria and Albert Museum, M.7955.1862

(Photo: © Victoria and Albert Museum)