France

This box is covered airily with characters, animals and grotesques set amidst arabesques and foliage. But beyond this light-hearted approach, the craftsman alludes to the ancient gods. The narrow sides bear the date and the names of Ceres, goddess of the earth, and Bacchus, god of wine: while above them rise two barely dressed characters, the one bearing a cornucopia while the other brandishes a cup. On the front two warrior gods stand under a canopy. The keyhole is secret and hinges are fitted on both sides, as a precaution.