Arqueta colonial de carey y plata. Virreinato de Nueva España, México. S. XVIII.

Arqueta colonial de carey y plata. Virreinato de Nueva España, México. S. XVIII.

Tortoiseshell and silver chest, Viceroyalty of New Spain, Mexico h. 1700.

With trimmed silver decorations highlighting a large central medallion as a lock escutcheon and side handles in the form of a double knocker and four legs. Sgraffito interior with flowery branches in the Mexican style.

The use of caskets and chests of different sizes proliferated during the 16th and 17th centuries, becoming various sizes depending on the use and in American lands Spanish typologies were adapted to local materials and decoration tastes. These tortoiseshell chests were called jewels because they were used to store jewelry or essence bottles, and many have come to Spain as donations from Indianos to churches, where they were used to store relics.

Measurements: 17 x 12 x 22 cm.

With trimmed silver applied decoration, highlighting a large central medallion as a lock escutcheon and side handles in the form of a double knocker. Interior decorated with plant motifs and engraved flowers.

Measures 14.5 x 13.5 x 21 cm.