THREE LOCKS CHEST. WOOD, WROUGHT IRON, LEATHER. CA 1600.
Antiques -
Reference: Z2316
Chest with three locks. Wood, leather, wrought iron. Circa 1600. Rectangular chest with a flat lid made of carved wood and covered, on the outside, with leather and wrought iron fittings (three locks, corner pieces, two handles, ornaments, hinges). Inside, it has a red fabric lining both on the body of the chest and on the lid (the area where there is embroidery based on geometric elements arranged in a symmetrical composition, including some missing details). The rectangular box with a flat lid is one of the most common types of Spanish chests and coffers, with examples of this shape appearing as early as the beginning of the Middle Ages. Regarding the use of textiles, it was common in Spain during the 15th century to manufacture chests lined both inside and out, usually in red (the most expensive dyes were red and blue), both to enhance the piece and to protect its contents. Covering the wood with leather on the outside was also frequent, again to enhance and protect the chest. As for the fittings, the lance-shaped, lobed design of the wrought iron pieces is reminiscent of late Gothic examples already showing Renaissance influence, with some slightly more advanced forms. The three locks feature openwork shields decorated with waves and simplified plant motifs, and their presence on the same chest suggests a type known as a "town hall" or "council" lock (since it had three keys, the three authorities who each possessed one had to meet and agree to access the contents, adding an extra layer of security). It is not entirely common for these types of pieces to be preserved in good condition, and similar examples can be found in some important private collections and in institutions such as the Museum of the Cathedral of Valencia, the City Council of Los Palacios y Villafranca, the Military History Museum of Seville, etc.
· Size: 125x48x57 cms.
4.500 €
