Toilet bag with hidden bunting. Orduña Family - Mira.

Toilet bag with hidden bunting.
Orduña - Mira family.
In 925 sterling silver, velvet and leather. With three photographs.
Measurements: 38 x 14 x 28 cm.

This travel vanity case, belonging to the Orduña family, is a historical piece of great relevance and mystery, combining elements of luxury and secret functionality, used in a context of international mobility and high politics. The object was commissioned by Joaquín de Orduña, a prominent politician of the time and "Cacique de Guadalest", who gave it as part of the dowry for the marriage of his niece Ana de Orduña to Francisco Mira in 1893, sealing the union of two powerful houses. This vanity case not only served as a personal object of care and writing, but also concealed secrets that reflect the discretion and astuteness with which the family handled both their personal affairs and their intricate political connections.

The vanity case, compact and elegant in size, is a classic example of late 19th century luxury and utility objects. Its exterior is crafted from refined materials, such as wood and leather, while the metal details and interior mirror add a touch of sophistication. However, what sets it apart is what is hidden inside.

Among the vanity case's bottles, which appear to be simple toiletry containers, is a hidden inkwell, camouflaged to avoid detection. This ingenious design shows the Orduña's ability to combine the utilitarian with the secret.
Among the razors, a pen is hidden, an object that not only served to write, but also to communicate discreetly on the family's travels, as the pen was hidden in an unsuspicious place.
Under the mirror, there is a double bottom that conceals a daughter for writing, along with the Mira family watermark. This secret compartment reflects the importance of confidentiality in communication and the storage of writings, as well as signaling the personalization of the piece as an exclusive commission for the Orduña family.
The vanity case symbolizes the cunning and discretion of the Orduña family and their political connections, especially during a time when the protection of secret information and the handling of international politics were vital. The hidden elements in the satchel reflect not only the desire to maintain privacy, but also the Orduña's strategy to protect and preserve their legacy and influence, even through the marriage union with the Mira family.

This hidden notary's office is closely related to the family history of the Orduña and Mira families, two powerful houses that came together through the marriage of Ana de Orduña to Francisco Mira. Joaquín de Orduña, who wielded great power in the province of Alicante and was a key figure in 19th century Spanish politics, commissioned this piece to ensure that his legacy and control of the family businesses remained within his close circle. The connection between the two families is reflected in the Mira family watermark found in the secret compartment of the piece, a detail that adds an additional layer of meaning and personalization to this object.

In the late 19th century, the figure of Joaquín de Orduña as a political leader and his influence over the Alicante region were crucial to the economic and social development of the area. As President of the Diputación and Civil Governor, Orduña had a great influence on the politics of the Moderate Party and, later, on the Conservative Party during the Bourbon Restoration. The unexpected death of his brother Juan, who was in charge of the family business in Cuba, led to the decision that his daughter Ana de Orduña would inherit, albeit on the condition that she marry Francisco Mira, to ensure control of the family estate.

This necessary commission was delivered as part of the dowry for the marriage in February 1893, coinciding with the festivities for the fixing of the flag of Alicante, a symbolic event of great importance for the Orduña family and their legacy.

The Municipal Museum of Guadalest, has a special importance in the history of the Orduña family. The house that houses the museum was the former residence of the Orduña family, and from there you can access the Castell de Guadalest, a place declared of Cultural Interest, which also holds traces of the history and power of this family.

This vanity case with hidden writing desk is much more than a simple travel object; it is a testimony to the cunning, discretion and power of the Orduña family in the 19th century. Through its hidden design, it reflects the political, social and family concerns of the time, while underscoring the impact of the union with the Mira family. The piece not only has value as a historical object, but also as a symbol of an era of secrets, power and strategic alliances.

The photograph of Joaquín de Orduña is crucial because no other photograph is preserved, making it a unique piece for historical and genealogical studies of the family. Although today photography is a common medium, in the 19th century the most prominent people in society were still, for the most part, portrayed through painting or engraving. In fact, Joaquín's photo is an example of how photographic technology began to spread among the elite during that era.

The identification of Joaquín de Orduña in the photograph is possible thanks to the fact that his figure also appears in other types of visual representations, such as in a panel of tiles in the Museum of Guadalest. This panel, which was created to commemorate the history of the family, portrays him in a more stylized way, but the photo serves as a link between the different visual representations of the family.