AN ENGRAVED BRASS CASKET
Possibly Iran, late 18th - early 19th century

Of rectangular shape, resting on a flat wooden base, the hinged lid with thin brass mounts ending in cusped arabesque medallions, the lid and sides densely engraved with figural decorations including enthronement and courtly entertainment scenes, Christian parables and stories like the life of Joseph (dreaming at night and being climbed down a well) and the rescue and forgiveness of Mary Magdalene's sins before getting stoned to death, and further engravings like several bands of pseudo-thuluth calligraphy, interlocking split palmettes vegetal scrollwork, and floral sprays, 17.5cm x 8.5cm x 6cm.