Spanish Baroque Leather Studwork Arcon Chest

Spanish Baroque Leather Studwork Arcon Chest.

Rare, early 17th century, Spanish, leather, ‘Arcon’ or domed travelling coffer with a gilded armorial & ornamented with brass studwork.

Surviving utalitarian pieces such as travelling coffers from this period and in this condition are rare. It is rare for these pieces to be personalised and the armorial demonstrates that this arcon was made for an aristocrat.

The ornamentation uses two different designs and sizes of floral studs. This striking arcon is in exceptional condition having been in the same collection reputedly since the 18th century; the leather, studwork, hasps, locks, key and handles are all original.

The exterior is upholstered in brown leather which is decorated throughout with brass studs. The domed top is divided into four panels each with containing a six petal flowerhead with two trefoils in the corners below. The central feature on the front is a gilded armorial within a badge held by armorini and delicate scrollwork and palmate decoration, within a stylised wreath.

This is surrounded by four studwork trefoils. The hasps and escutcheons are surrounded by shaped studwork with a repeat of the large, six petal flowerhead below and trefoils in each corner. The wrought iron hasps, escutcheons, locks, key, ring hinges and side carrying handles are original.

The leather bracket feet, similarly decorated in leather with studwork. The interior lined with the original linen. The carcass pine. Wear, losses and repairs to leather commensurate with age. It has a rich lustrous patina.

PROVENANCE: Spanish Collection, by repute since the 18th century.

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This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance