17th Century Spanish Vargueno with Decoupage Exterior on Baroque Style Base

Description: An exceptional Spanish vargueno or collector cabinet with a sophisticated assemblage of decorated drawers and cabinets on the interior with columnar accents. The exterior with exceptional decoupage decoration on sides and fall front lid. Beautifully constructed with dovetailed corners and hand forged wrought iron hardware on the handles, locks, and corners. Many secret compartments exist for hiding the valuables of the house. The carved Baroque style wooden trestle form base dates to the 19th century and has adjustable supports with figural fronts to support the drop front of the chest as a writing surface with rope twist legs, a carved arched stretcher, and paw feet. The bases were a common addition to the vargueno design of this period. Typically, most bases of early furniture were subject to rot and damage due to insects. In order to protect the box, a less extravagant base was made - which enabled the vargueno to function as a desk.The origin of the Spanish vargueno is attributed to the Toledo, Spain region. Popularity of the desk grew during the middle ages - from the 12th Century on. The Chinese were first to use Decoupage in decorating both interior and exterior pieces of furniture. Due to the expansion of the "China Trade" - many forms of early Chinese design were adopted into Continental furniture making; particularly in Spain and Italy.This vargueno dates to the 17th century or earlier, is in good overall condition, with great overall patina, paint and surface losses, worm damage, repairs, surface stains, and imperfections, as well as wear commensurate with age and use of a piece from this period. Dimensions: Overall with Base: 57 in H x 41.5 in W x 21 in D. Opens to 38.5 in D with writing surface down. Ref:8ITEM ID8156 New Hampshire Antique Co-op 323 Elm StreetMilford, NH 03055 A local family business since 1983Named Best of New England by Yankee Magazine

Price: 39800 USD

Location: Milford, New Hampshire

End Time: 2024-08-07T16:10:02.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD