- Period
- Insular
- Date
- c. 1050
- Collection
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Object no.
- 1953.362
Wooden Casket: Scenes from the Life of Christ
Unknown maker, c. 1050
Cleveland Museum of Art · Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund · Public domain
- Maker
- Unknown maker
- Date
- c. 1050
- Medium
- boxwood, copper-alloy, glass
- Dimensions
- Overall: 9 x 7.8 x 15.7 cm (3 9/16 x 3 1/16 x 6 3/16 in.)
- Period
- Insular
The record
Why it matters
This casket is a rare, if not unique example of high-quality woodcarving from Anglo-Saxon England. Decorated with scenes from Christ’s life, it was likely made for an ecclesiastical purpose and may have housed relics. On one long side, the Christ child rests in the manger. Above, the Crucifixion is shown with mourners gathered below the cross and two angels flanking it on either side. On the other long side is the Ascension, God’s hand pulling Christ heavenward. Christ in Majesty appears above. The short sides show Christ’s baptism and his entry into Jerusalem.