Card/Transcription No.: 540-1a

Casket No. 540 and 551. 1

This casket is an admirable example of the highly decorative
type produced by the artisans of the reign. Its structure is
architectural in spirit, it being designed after the form of a
shrine. The box proper has an entablature comprising an ebony
edged cornice of gesso-gilt, a green wood torus-moulding, and 
a narrow plain ebony frieze.  On each of its four sides are
broad rails and stiles of veneered ivory which form oblong
rectangular central panels. These panels - bordered with
rectangular and garland patterns of inlaid ivory, ebony,
faience, glass, and calcite - are veneered with ivory
luxuriantly carved and stained with floral, animal, and
hunting motifs. The box stands upon four square legs, which
are ferruled with bronze-caps, and its