Gothic treasurer chest

This rare rectangular walnut chest is characteristic of the great furniture production in Lombardy in the 15th century. The façade has an original elegant decoration in wrought iron worked in arabesque, engraved, cut and pierced.

This metal art was a huge success in the cities of Milan and Brescia in the 15th century.
It is embellished with a beautiful lock, also executed in the 15th century.

In the lower part there are two handles. Under the lid, two lion’s muzzles have been carved. A superb wood marquetry with a geometric pattern adorns the top.

This dovetail-mounted chest is placed on a four-legged base inlaid with boxwood, ebony and ivory and mother-of-pearl pearls. The interior, also adorned with ivory buttons and nets as well as wrought iron arabesques, conceals numerous drawers and lockers forming secrets.

The Castello Sforzesco Museum in Milan has a similar chest. In addition to the two lions appearing under the cover, the iron facade decoration is in every way comparable with regard to the handeles and the locksmith.