Cassone (chest) c. 15th century

This Cassone, or chest, resides at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, its creation attributed to an anonymous hand. Notice the intricate carvings of geometric patterns across the chest's surface. These repeating motifs are not mere decoration; they resonate with deeper cultural meanings. Similar patterns echo in ancient textiles and architectural details from diverse cultures, hinting at humanity's shared visual language. Consider the swastika-like pattern within each square. Originally a symbol of cosmic harmony, denoting the sun's cyclical journey and good fortune in ancient cultures, its symbolic meaning has been tragically distorted. This chest serves not only as a container for material possessions but as a vessel of collective memory. Its motifs elicit subconscious responses, evoking a profound sense of connection to past eras. As we gaze upon this chest, we are drawn into a non-linear dance of symbols, each resonating across time and culture.