Colonial chest. Peru, 17th century

Viceregal chest. Peru, 17th century.
Wood, iron and leather.
Missing.
Measurements: 13 x 33 x 40 cm.
Chest or casket from the Spanish Colonial period in Peru made with a wooden core covered with leather, iron fittings and an iron lock. The entire surface, made of embossed and engraved leather, is richly decorated with intertwined stems, flowers and fruit, with animals such as dogs and birds.
At a time when the mobility and security of goods was paramount, the adaptability of chests and suitcases made them the most important piece of furniture for the upper classes, especially for storing and transporting clothes, silver and documents. This medium-sized example is entirely covered with thick, high-quality leather and has two iron side handles for carrying, as well as a front lock of the same material to secure the contents.
Spanish leatherwork originated and became renowned in Cordoba in the Muslim period (cordobanes), from where it was successfully exported throughout Europe for centuries, being used in furniture such as benches, chests, chests or armchairs to give them strength and attractive finishes.
From the 17th century onwards, as a result of the continuous relations with the American colonies, the manufacture of leather-covered chests and chests was also developed there, but with an exuberant decoration of plant and animal motifs characteristic of Peru and Mexico; this furniture was destined to satisfy the demand of the high dignitaries of the Viceroyalty of Peru, most of whom were Spaniards who came to occupy political and administrative posts in the colonies.