Well, in fact there's a bit of a surprise because we know now that it could not have belonged to Mary Queen of Scots. In fact it was made in the second half of the 17th century, almost 60 years after she died. Oh, no. So when did people realise when this was actually made? Well, in the early 20th century people began to reassess their works of art, but it is still the most beautiful cabinet. It is in amazing condition and what it is, it's tortoise shell here on these raised elements and then on an ebony ground, but shall we have a look inside? Sure. And what was it for? Wealthy collectors in 17th century Flanders would have purchased these cabinets and then stored their various precious items inside and I want to just show you, if we open up inside here. I'm afraid there's nothing in there today, but back in the 17th century, the collector would have placed his prized statuette in the centre there with a mirrored recess to show it off at every angle. So it's like a little theatre? It is very theatrical. Exactly. It was a great status symbol. It's fantastically nouveau in a way, "Come and look at the thing I've just bought." Well, nothing changes. Wow, I've never seen anything like it, I have to say.


事实上，这不可能是玛丽的遗物。其实在17世纪下半页制成， 在她死后几近60年，什么时候确定它的制作年份？20世纪初，人们开始重新监定藏品。不过，它始终是个很美丽的柜子，又保存得这么好。这是玳瑁，和黑坛木背景互相辉映，不如看看里面？ 对，有什么作用？ 17世纪的富有收藏家，把珍贵的东西收藏在这些柜子。我把门打开，让你看看里面，今天没有收藏品在内，但17世纪的收藏家，会把珍藏的塑像放在中央。凹位有镜子，可照出每个角度，好像一个小剧场？ 确实很有戏剧效果，也是身份象征，呼朋唤友，回家看新的收藏品？ 这种风气永恒不变，我从未见识过类似的藏品。