France
Bureau
End 16th century
Gold embossed leather
50,5 x 95 x 35,5 cm
A fine leather desk decorated with the gold embossed technique, that consists in the application of burning irons, to which gold is added. The result is golden motifs with a certain bas-relief. Few objects, boxes, chests, jewelers, and cases are preserved. Some examples have been known since the 15th century, appearing in 16th-century inventories, such as that of Francis I of France. The motifs used follow Mudejar taste, shields, or emblems, such as the complete collection of dolphin treasure cases, currently in the Museum of Decorative Arts in Madrid.
