The body of the case is red-stained ivory, which has then been decorated with finely carved 'cameos'. These depict, on one side, a gentleman hawking on horse back with two cranes flying overhead and, on the reverse, two hounds sitting by a tree with a hare leaping above.

The red-staining of the ivory body would indicate an origin in the Far East, whereas the cameo reliefs are typically European, perhaps French or German. This would suggest that the body of the case and the cameos were produce by different craftsmen, both to strict specifications, and that the case was then assembled.

The fine quality the case and the specific decoration would suggest that it was commissioned, perhaps by a European nobleman. The case was purchased in Berlin.

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