Unusual Artifacts: A Set of Jeweled Writing Tablets, 1650

Writing Tablets
Dutch, 1650
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This set of ivory writing tablets has been encased in enameled gold covers set with emeralds and rubies. The covers depict two biblical scenes on the outside. On the front, we see Joseph thrust into a well by his brethren, and, on the reverse, we see the journey into Egypt. The insides of the covers show two landscape scenes.


These were made in 1650 in the Netherlands. While not practical, they’re certainly beautiful.