Private collection, Spain
The structure of this jewelry chest is made of cedar wood coated with jacaranda, a tree more widely known by the generic name of rosewood, a species originating in American tropical and subtropical regions, including Mexico, of pleasantly aromatic wood, which has traditionally been highly appreciated in fine woodworking. The surface is beautifully decorated with symmetrically arranged inlays of the same material and bone: the former laid in panels that seek contrast in the tone and direction of the streaks and, the latter, imitating the ivory in Eastern productions, shaping the perimeter of geometric forms, circular, rectangular, rhomboidal and triangular plates engraved with stylized vegetable volutes, floral motifs and vases, as well as nice eight-ray, human-faced suns. Also in bone, in the middle of the lid a semicircular arch stands out, divided into four parts representing a winged heart in flames, a triple tiara, a triple-barred cross ferula and St Peter’s keys, the last three of which are papal symbols. The ornamental delicacy lies also in the ironwork, such as the abstract interlaced design in the lock. It is worth noting that the original key has been preserved.
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