Coffret
Unknown Artist
late 15th–16th century
Medium
Cuir bouilli (tooled leather), iron fittings, wood core
Dimensions
Overall: 6 1/2 x 7 5/8 x 4 1/2 in. (16.5 x 19.4 x 11.4 cm)
Classification
Leatherwork
Culture
French
Department
The Cloisters
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Cloisters Collection, 1955
Accession Number
55.61.67
Art Historical Context
Nestled in The Cloisters' collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art this exquisite *Coffret* from 15th– to 16th-century France exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of Renaissance-era leatherwork. Measuring a compact 6½ × 7⅝ × 4½ inches, this small box—likely used to store jewelry, cosmetics, or precious documents—was a luxurious everyday object for the elite, blending functionality with decorative appeal. Crafted from *cuir bouilli* (boiled leather) over a wood core, with sturdy iron fittings, the piece showcases a labor-intensive technique where leather is soaked in hot water or wax, mol...