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Leather Art Museum

Inkstand

A 17th century inkstand in wood covered with embossed leather and wooden inserts, 31 × 91 × 40 cm, Peru. Leather Art Museum. Vic.

 

A 17th century inkstand in wood covered with embossed leather and wooden inserts, 31 × 91 × 40 cm, Peru. Leather Art Museum. Vic.

 

Floral and vegetable motifs are seen in the decoration of the object, as well as a two-headed eagle along with depictions of birds, lions and rabbits. At the front, the fire-etched wooden drawers depict fantastical animals such as unicorns and dragons amidst the floral decorations.

Leather work, a material used for a large number of objects, was highly appreciated in the New World so it was imported in large quantities and was rapidly copied by the indigenous people using the same engraving, polychroming and decorating techniques. The chroniclers of the time express admiration for these works made with great skill and rich ornamentation.

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