Imposing 17th Century Portuguese Colonial Mahogany & Brass Chest

This is an imposing 17th Century mahogany Brazilian / Portuguese colonial trunk / chest, of grand proportions, decorated with pierced brass panels. This rare chest is of Iberian design, that first emerged in the 16th century with its distinctive lozenge panelling. The large hinged mahogany top having a jacaranda timber moulded edge, secured by a wonderful large central iron lock, retaining its original hand forged key, opening to reveal a large storage compartment. Below are three bolection-moulded panels applied with decorative pierced and scrolling brass panels, the central acting as an escutcheon, with the conforming sides having carrying handles. In two sections, the top sits over a base raised on compressed bun feet, housing two fielded panelled apron drawers, with central brass escutcheons and conforming faux sides. An extremely impressive chest / trunk with the brass lozenge designed panels giving it a very decorative feel, which will work well in todays interiors as a statement piece. It is very possible this originated from Brazil and would have most likely been used to store items of wealth, the likes of the families silver etc.