Casket ; Viceroyalty of Peru, early 18th century.

Chest ; Viceroyalty of Peru, early eighteenth century.
Wood covered with embossed leather.
Presents a wooden core from a later period.
Measurements: 22,5 x 45 x 23 cm.
Peruvian travel chest with prismatic base structure and vaulted lid, articulated by means of hinges with iron front closure. This type of encoradas chests, thought to transport precious objects during the trips (to the being waterproofed thanks to the leather, these remained safe of the rain), were frequent 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, the Peruvian heritage can be appreciated in a certain character of "horror vacui" combined with a clear compartmentalization of space, with borders of flowers, undulating leaves and animals framing the cartouches and tondos that house the main ornamental motifs. On the front we see, around the lock, two rampant lions, a motif that is repeated on the short sides of the base. The lid is mostly occupied by a large symmetrical composition with animals and vegetal elements.