MARK OF CLAES MUNTINCK, GRONINGEN, 1695/96

The coat of arms on the cover refers to the alliance between the Dutch families Oene van Teyens and Hyma Auwema. The three acorns represent the Van Teyens family; the three Moorish heads in profile, the Auwema family. Oene and Hyma had their first son, called Ivo Bocke van Teyens, in 1694. The initials IBVT refer to him, and the box may have been commissioned to celebrate his birth. The family bible records the following: 'Den 28sten aprilis 1694 den achtermiddags omtrent een uir sijnde een saterdaechs is mijn wel lieve huisfrou van een jonge zoon verlost ende is 's anderen daegs in mijn presentie door mijn schoonsuster Wija Auwema te doop geholden en is door dominee Lidius Yvo Bocke gedoopt.'