Chest; New Spain, 18th century. Engraved bone... Lot 23

Chest; New Spain, 18th century. Engraved bone and ebony. With faults and restorations. The key is preserved. It has a later period interior decoration. Measurements: 17 x 31 x 15 cm. The chest is made from a wooden core, covered on the outside with an ornamental geometric marquetry design. It has a rectangular structure, with a simple rectangular box and a hemispherical lid. The decoration is organised in bands of alternating rectangular and triangular shapes, the former being made up of small pieces cut out and inlaid in stained wood and bone, using the technique known as 'alla certosina' marquetry. It has a lock on the front. This type of work was one of the main sources of export in Spanish America. First as raw material in itself for its high economic value and later and with greater interest for its craftsmanship. Viceroyal works would reach very high levels of fineness and quality worthy of European works. Western tradition was joined by the cultural roots and inheritance of the places of work where the craftsmen displayed great talent both in the execution of the works and in the creation of particularly novel and original models and decorations.