A Spanish-Colonial tortoiseshell document box from the workshop of the Zúñiga-family

Guadalajara, Mexico, circa 1726

H. 9,5 x W. 15,5 x D. 7 cm

The box consists of a wooden frame with tortoiseshell panels engraved with scrolls, animals, trees and geometric patterns. The surface is further decorated with silver and brass mounts. On the lid are engraved three flower urns.

The side panels depict a dog and a bird, while the reverse shows two trees with birds. An inscription is engraved on the back, apparently reading: "Adose días del Stries(?) de Bulio de el Año de 1726 (?)"