An impressive C17th Spanish Vargueno chest with drop front, set upon a stand with folding supports. The piece consists of nine small drawers and two cupboards and finished with wrought iron locks and carrying handles. The interior is divided into an intricate arrangement of drawers and recesses originally designed for holding jewels, documents and other valuables. The chest comes with the original lock and key, a rare find.
 
The Vargueno is a kind of Spanish portable writing desk popular during the late C16th through to the early C18th. Highly distinctive and often considered items of great status at the Spanish court during a period of great expansion and diplomacy for the Spanish Empire.
 
Provenance: From a Belgian Collection.
 
Measurements:
W: 86 cm
H: 122 cm
D: 94.5 cm
 
Ref: 1553