Bassanio traveled to Portia's kingdom to ask for her hand in marriage. Portia warned Bassanio that others who had tried to choose the correct casket containing her portrait had failed. He must choose between three caskets - gold, silver, and lead. The lead casket, representing inner beauty and modesty rather than outer appearances, contains Portia's portrait. If Bassanio chooses correctly, he will win Portia's hand.