Antique ceramic cigar or jewellery box, sarcophagus, with Biblical figural scenes. Made in Italy. Believed to date to early 1900's (1900 - 1930).

From an extremely prestigious estate: William Nelson Camp, owner of Florida Power, vast real estate and phosphate mines and good friend of the richest of the rich

and powerful.

Measures 7 1/2 inches accross box and 7 3/4 inches long including the extended base. 4 1/2 inches wide (front to back) and 5 1/8 inches front to back including the

extended base. Approx 5 inches high, including the finial.

Heavy ceramic with moulded decoration. Rectangular shape. Lid with shaped finial. Moulded decoration with strong Bible themes: One side (front) is a scene depicting

the Garden of Eden with a Human (Adam) in the center and a variety of animals and trees around him. The opposite side shows a figure on a raised dais / throne and a

number of other people and animals below. I think this is King Solomon at his court. One of the sides shows another scene with human and animals and a variety of

trees. The 4th side shows a number of ships. The buildings in the background of the other scenes, like the ships, don't quite fit into the Bibilical theme, but we

can put them down to Artistic License. The lid, with a variety of floral and foliate moulded decoration, also features angels and birds flitting around what might be

a Holy image. The 4 immitation pillars on the rounded corners add to the feel of a sarcophagus.

The inside has been gilded and the lid is rough, as though intended to be used to strike matches, which may confirm it's use as a tobacco humidor.

No identifying factory marks.

Very good condition. No chips/cracks/damage/restoration.

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