Anglo-Saxon Instrument Case Replica

A beautiful hand-crafted replica of a decorative Anglo-Saxon carved box.

This resin replica is made in the UK by British artist Andrew Lilley, and is based on an object in the British Museum collection.

The original object in two parts consists of a rectangular box with a sliding lid, crafted from walrus ivory, and dates to the late 11th century. It was carved in Anglo-Saxon Britain and was found in the area of the city of London. The original purpose of the box is unknown, however it is suggested to have been used as a quill case or the case for a musical instrument.

The box is decorated with high relief carvings on all four sides as well as the lid in rich animal and plant motifs and elaborate scenes. One panel shows a mounted warrior using a spear to defend himself against dragons; one a man being attacked by lions; another shows archers shooting birds in trees; and the final shows two men digging the roots of a tree. The tapered end of the box is carved in the form of an open-mouthed lion biting down onto creatures inside its mouth.

The lid of the box is decorated with a tree surrounded by birds and acanthus fronts which lead to the head of an open-jawed beast.

A striking piece of Britain’s history