Colonial Peruvian chest from the XVIII century

Peruvian colonial chest of the eighteenth century.
Lacquered imitating tortoiseshell. Striated exterior and silver/metal perforated ornaments. Interior lined with marbled paper.
Very good condition.
Measurements: 17 x 26 x 16 cm.

Colonial travel chest with prismatic base structure and vaulted lid, hinged and with front lock. The exterior has grooves and is embellished with silver and metal foliated and perforated ornaments. This type of chest, designed to transport precious objects during travels, was common in Spain from the end of the Middle Ages, extending its use also to the American colonies. However, although the typology, construction techniques and decorative motifs come from the European influence, we can appreciate the inheritance of the colonies tending to a certain character of "horror vacui" combined with a clear compartmentalization of space with decorations in the corners (in this case).