Jousting Knights

This casket lid is illustrated with scenes of chivalry, episodes from the romances of the Round Table. It is divided into three parts: in the centre, two knights are jousting in a tournament, saluted by heralds blowing their trumpets while ladies watch from the gallery above.

On one side we see an assault on the castle of Love, with knights launching roses with a catapult or climbing a ladder to reach the ladies. On the other side a lady is being carried off by a knight, perhaps Lancelot and Queen Guinevere.

These carved scenes referred to famous romances mingling love, bravery and youth. They were favourite subjects for small carved ivory items such as mirror cases.

• Equipped with hanging hook