The basic form of this casket is European, but it was made in Sri Lanka. Ivory and silver carving were specialties of the artisans there, and since the 16th century, the Portuguese commissioned them to make familiar objects in exotic materials.The ivory panels are carved with animals and foliage arranged within elegant spirals. A variety of mythical creatures including the hamsa (aquatic bird), makara (sea creature), and simha (lion-like beast), are depicted. Traces of gold leaf remain on parts of the surface. The latch is intricately engraved with a mongoose and a cobra; the escutcheon, in the form of a coat of arms, is divided into four quarters; depicting a bird, hare, simha, and eagle.
