MONUMENTAL & RARE 18th CENTURY SPANISH COLONIAL CARVED SACRISTY CHEST TRUNK
FINEST BAROQUE MISSIONARY CHURCH MONASTERY RELICUARY

Rarely do we encounter a treasure of this superior quality, fine workmanship, and intense presence, all with such first-hand awe-inviting splendor. A supreme aesthetic composition, the intricate high relief carving is a rich tapestry of dramatic colonial baroque art. This amazing trunk was purchased from the family who acquired it hundreds of years ago. Until the early 1990’s, this majestic Spanish Colonial Navarrese chest occupied a place of honor at their hacienda estate in Northern Peru. Considered a National Treasure, the Peruvian government placed a ban on exportation of antiquities such as this in 1993. Image files below record the measurements of this large and impressive sacred repository. If you desire any additional photo angles, close-ups, general information or wish to share your thoughts please email me directly antiquerevival@charter.net . An antiquity this rare and important does not come into the market often; this is your opportunity to become the next caretaker of an exceptional Spanish Colonial Masterpiece, don’t miss it.

The history, as passed down through the generations, was relayed to us as follows: Originally the coffer was crafted in Spain for a missionary priest bound to the New World, intent on educating and converting the Inca people to Christianity. Usually given as gifts before their voyage, these chests ranged from the plain to the spectacular depending on the wealth of the patron and the artistic skills of the craftsman. Needless to say, someone of means commissioned this extraordinary chest and the carver had immense talent and passion. These types of trunks were utilized in the sacristy of the church as well as the private residence of a priest to store the altar furnishings and Eucharistic vessels used during the celebration of the Mass including chalices, monstrances along with the priestly vestments, robes and other valuables. When opened the interior of the chest contains the fragrance of long ago stored incense used for ceremonial services.

The craftsmanship and condition of this large sturdy storage casket are as follows: Upon examination the chest features interlocking dovetail joinery and appears to be made of a dark hardwood, probably walnut. It is heavily carved on each side panel, front panel and the lid with the bottom and back being unadorned. All of the construction seems to be original, with the exception of a small dowel that the interior compartment lid rests on (seen in photo file). The rich polychrome and gilt finish is beautifully preserved considering the advanced age and exudes a warm mellow patina. There are some remnants of gesso along the carved areas where they meet with the moldings. As seen in the photo file there is a small section on the back of the trunk that has some very minor wood loss but it does not effect the integrity or is it deep enough to penetrate into the interior. There are some negligible wood cracks due to drying but nothing noteworthy. 2 locksmiths who agreed that the entire mechanism was hand forged and over 300 years old have viewed the lock. We were told the lock appears to be in working condition but since we could not find a key that was large enough to fit we will leave that outcome to the new owners. The decorative iron escutcheon face plate has some areas of minor loss as seen in the photos. The iron hinge straps are hand forged, etched and anchored with bent iron fittings. At some time in very distant past, hinges were changed and moved around, the grooved area where the hinges were flush mounted can be seen in the photos. The lid of the cassone is a bit domed, being carved and shaped thicker in the mid-line area of the top. The interior and underside remain in wonderful shape. Overall the condition, visual appearance and integrity of this chest are exceptional, with no real faults or condition issues to disclose. We do not recommend that the lid be raised and held open by the hinges alone. Even though the iron straps are indeed strong, eventually the weight could affect the integrity of the hinges. There are a several photo files in the description that record itemized dimensions. Professional white glove handling and delivery of this remarkable heirloom is a must.

Spanish Colonial Art and Furniture: Defined as objects made in the New World from 1521, when the Spanish conquered Latin America, until 1821, when Mexico achieved its independence. The designs of the New World originated in Spain and Portugal, incorporating both European and Moorish influences. Differences in available materials in the Spanish colonies quickly began to differentiate colonial products from their Old World counterparts. People transported some furniture from Spain to the colonies but by and large craftsmen built things from scratch. You could get dark walnut and other hardwoods in Spain but in Latin America and Mexico the standard woods were mesquite, pine and sabino. Most furniture in Peru and Mexico in the 1700 and 1800's was very simple, whereas in Spain the work would be detailed and highly carved. The growing prosperity of peninsular colonial possessions in Latin America was partly due to Government organization and partly to church settlements. The latter were not only centers but also sometimes established influential schools or art. They naturally tended to produce richly carved church furnishings in which various European influences mingled with local aboriginal tradition, but rich secular furniture was also crafted. In towns, particularly the seats of government, sophisticated grandees dined only off gold and silver plates. Centers like Cuzco still have many examples of splendid wood sculpture in the extraordinary Spanish-Peruvian Baroque style. Exuberant and fantastic this style linked European elements with Indian mythology and the traditional Inca craftsmanship.

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