Small wooden box, inscribed with the Scottish Royal Motto

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This small wooden box is highly decorated, the carved inscriptions including the Scottish royal motto. The box dates from the 16th or early 17th century.

The style of the carved detail is similar to the treatment of the carved surfaces of a medieval grave slab.

The motto is based on a traditional rhyme and reads: 'In my defence God me defend. And bring my saul to ane good end.' It was in use as the Scottish royal motto until around 1630.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-000-628-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.KL 74
• Date: 16th or early 17th century
  
• Material: Wood
  Box
  
• Dimensions: 76 mm H x 137 mm max W x 18 mm max D
  
• What: Box
  
• Subject: Carved woodwork, painted ceilings (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Small box cut out of one piece of wood, with the surface carved and inscribed
  
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