Large presentation marquetry casket, c.1885 (wood)

Richly decorated in native New Zealand woods: the hinged, stepped and concave moulded lid with moulded edge, the uppermost panel inlaid with New Zealand floral motifs on a basketweave (diaper) pattern, within feather-banded border and burr edge; the waisted sides with panels of Maori motifs within feather- and chequer-banded border and burr edge, the front panel decorated with the prow of a Maori canoe, a bird, spears and ferns on a basketweave pattern, the side and back panels with tiki and ferns on a basketweave pattern, the casket mounted on four feet modelled as New Zealand ferns, the interior lined throughout with rewarewa veneer, and with the Seuffert trade label ('A. SEUFFERT. CABINET MAKER To HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH Elliott Street AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND') on the inside of the front panel, the front panel bearing a silver presentation plaque inscribed: 'Presented to Alfred Bell Esq BY THE VESTRYMEN OF ELLERSLIE in grateful recognition of his MUNIFICENT GIFT OF EIGHTEEN PAINTED WINDOWS TO CHRIST CHURCH, ELLERSLIE NEW ZEALAND Auckland Jan. 17 1885'