Casket c. 1390 - 1410

This Casket resides here at the Art Institute of Chicago, and was crafted by the Embriachi Workshop. The eye is immediately struck by the object’s geometric complexity and material contrast. Its octagonal form rises in tiers, each defined by intricate carvings in bone and dark wood. The base displays a rhythmic pattern of cross-hatching, leading the eye upward to a frieze of small, figural scenes set between miniature columns. Structurally, the casket operates as a miniature architectural space, a container of narratives. These biblical stories, rendered in relief, create a semiotic interplay between container and content, hinting at hidden meanings and privileged access. The casket's ornate lid, crowned with a decorative knob, further enhances its ceremonial presence, suggesting a sacred function. The craftsmanship invites us to consider how the object blurs the lines between art, architecture, and religious symbolism.