A rare and highly decorative Regency-period casket of exceptional scale, raised on ball-and-claw feet and extensively ornamented with applied cast gesso decoration. The principal panels depict dancing maidens attended by a flautist amidst an array of classical and heraldic motifs, including lion-mask paterae, stars, and stylised flowers. Retaining cast lion-head ring handles to each end and surmounted by a recumbent lion finial, the hinged lid opens to reveal the original red silk damask-lined interior. Preserved with its original scumble-painted finish and reputedly from a Warwickshire country house, the piece is likely a unique commission executed by a specialist gesso craftsman or frame maker during the Regency period. English, circa 1820HeightRobert Belcher Antiques was established in 1984 and is a high-quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative objects. After forty years of shop keeping and maintaining beautiful showrooms, which have been regularly ...