Chests, trunks and boxes were indispensable pieces of furniture in colonial and nineteenth-century wardrobes. The best samples of this type of furniture (furniture used for storage) were given as gifts due to the complicated technique, beauty, and mastery of trade, for special reasons, to of wealthy families. Recall, for example, the wedding chests from Olinala, Guerrero, made with lacquer; and those of marquetry that come from Santa Maria del Rio, in San Luis Potosi, that use contrasting wood inlays.
In the nineteenth century, those from this last population were decorated with motifs from national history, flags, eagles, city and property views, among others. In general, when speaking of gifts, they display anagrams with the owner´s initials or inscriptions that acknowledge the gift. Such is the case with this chest. An inscription makes reference to this act: “Obsequio que hace Ignacio Pérez a su exelente (sic) amigo y fino hermano el Gral. G. L.” (A gift made by Ignacio Perez to his excellent friend and fine brother Gen. G.L.), in addition to the words: “Libertad” (Liberty), “Orden” (Order) and “Progreso” (Progress). In general, the Santa Maria del Rio pieces display a multitude of flowers and vegetable patterns. The chest rests on a base with a skirt and cabriole legs. On the upper corners there are undulating motifs of carved wood, to make the furniture even richer. The handles on the upper lid were made with a lathe.
Chests, trunks and boxes were indispensable pieces of furniture in colonial and nineteenth-century wardrobes. The best samples of this type of furniture (furniture used for storage) were given as gifts due to the complicated technique, beauty, and mastery of trade, for special reasons, to of wealthy families. Recall, for example, the wedding chests from Olinala, Guerrero, made with lacquer; and those of marquetry that come from Santa Maria del Rio, in San Luis Potosi, that use contrasting wood inlays.
