410 - Mexican wrought-iron chest with plant motifs, Mexico, 17th–18th century

Mexican wrought-iron chest with plant motifs, Mexico, 17th–18th century Wrought iron with openwork. Dimensions: 22 x 11 cm. Small rectangular chest with a domed lid, made of wrought iron and decorated with intricate openwork and vegetal scrollwork. It features its original front lock and a structure reinforced with iron clamps and rivets, following traditional Hispanic designs widely used in the American viceroyalties. The Baroque-inspired decoration, characterized by intertwined plant motifs and a profusion of ornamental elements, is representative of New Spain’s metalwork production of the 17th and 18th centuries. This type of chest was used to safeguard documents, jewelry, coins, and other valuables, combining functionality with decorative prestige. The piece retains an attractive patina of age and is an interesting example of the wrought-iron craft tradition developed in New Spain during the viceregal period.