Circa 1980/1990 Peruvian Reverse Painted Glass Petite Jewelry Chest

Description

Excellent Pre-Owned Condition.

This charming petite Peruvian jewelry chest was handcrafted in the time-honored Andahuaylas-style of reverse-painted art glass. The … more Excellent Pre-Owned Condition.

This charming petite Peruvian jewelry chest was handcrafted in the time-honored Andahuaylas-style of reverse-painted art glass. The wooden chest is covered with glass panes that have been hand painted on their reverse sides in floral and foliate motifs that exemplify a traditional Andean art form. Reverse painted glass has an unexpected depth to it and it almost seems to glow when illuminated. Each piece is done back to front: details painted first, then larger color areas and finally a background color. It is a skill that requires great care and precision, as the visual surface is painted first then layered over, there is absolutely no room for mistakes. The chest features a hinged lid with interior mirror on its underside which acts as a cover to the upper compartment. Below this upper compartment is a slender wide drawer and two smaller box-type drawers that are perfect to store and organize personal trinkets and treasures. The chest rests on a wooden platform held up by four petite wooden turned bun feet. It weighs 4 lbs. and measures as follows:

Chest: 8½” x 8” x 6” H/W/D
Lidded top interior mirror: 5” x 2½” W/H
Upper compartment: 6½” x 4½” x 2” W/D/H
Middle slender wide drawer: 6¼” x 4½” x 1¾” W/D/H
Lower box-type drawers: 2¾” x 4½” x 1¾” W/D/H apiece

This beauty is handcrafted from wood that is clad with glass panes, on all sides and top. Floral and foliate motif colors are rich pomegranate with ocher, beige, black and gold; antiqued gold paint on the trim; black turned bun feet and underside. In excellent condition with a few of life’s bumps and bruises (see photos 4 & 12) that do not detract from its beauty and functionality. Handcrafted in Lima, Peru; artist signature on the side of one of the glass panels. It is a one-of-a-kind piece that was made sometime in the late 1980s to early 1990s. An elegant and whimsical piece that will complement most any style and charmingly adorn any dresser or vanity top.

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