Colonial Silver Filigree Cofrecito

We are proud to offer this very fine and rare 18th century Spanish colonial silver 'cofrecito', made entirely of intricately intertwined silver filigree wire. The art of filigree consists of curling and twisting pliable silver threads and then uniting them with molten flux, borax and a blow-pipe.

Raised on four cabriole legs with pad feet, the main body is comprised of six delicate filigree panels, all bound together and protected by a framework of robust silver wire. The surface is further decorated with granulated work, a procedure which involves beads of silver soldered to the surface to produce new patterns. The gifted artisan who fabricated this masterful opus implemented this very technique - centering granulated silver beads upon multiple rows of budding flowers.

The box is in remarkably good condition, retaining the original hand chased silver hasp, pin hinge and lock-plate. No damage, breaks or visible repairs noted.

A very similar example illustrated in 'Plateria Colonial', Fernando de la Lastro, 1985, p.47, illus. 26. See scans above for reference. 

Dimensions: measures 11 inches long x 5.5 inches deep x 7.5 inches high. Weight is an impressive 60 troy oz. (1856 grams).

questions? Contact us at 415-578-8814 or info@colonialarts.com