I HAVE WANTED ONE OF THESE SINCE 1979

The above photo is an exceptional example of a Spanish 16th c. Vargueno (some spell it (incorrectly) Bargueno).

I moved to Spain (very pregnant) in 1978. Two months after my wonderful daughter was born, I was on a quest to learn as much as I could about Spanish antiques. My first exposure to a Vargueno must have been in early 1979--and it was love at first sight. I'm always drawn to the least embellished pieces of furniture--I consider the lines, purity of form and beauty of the wood to be equal to modernist sculpture. A great piece of furniture, that has acquired a soul brings the same energy to a room as abstract art or sculpture.

Take a look at what I found hiding under a table and in the cheap section of the auction (I'll have to get there really early tomorrow)

Yes, it really is hiding under a table (hopefully it will stay there and no one else will see it--pretty please!)

I pulled it out a little to photograph the vargueno--but not much. 

I think this particular example is Castilian and dates to the late 16th or early 17th c. It is quite plain with simple molding on the interior drawers. It has lost its stand and lock---I hate those crazies for stealing locks out of antiques. But the beautiful iron work is all present as are all the drawers. Roberto will have to do a bit of touch-up restoration, but all-in-all, it is in pretty good shape. Here are few more detail shots.

Varguenos made their appearance during the Spanish Renaissance. Their primary use was for the safe keeping of important paper, jewelry and other valuables. The vargueno was designed with side carrying handles so that it could be easily carried to different locations. The drop front was used as a writing surface. A papelera is similar to a vargueno, but lacking the drop front. 

The most desirable examples of varguenos are those that are highly detailed with fine inlays of bone, precious woods, tortoise, silver, fine miniature paintings, etc. Of course, the more highly ornamented the vargueno, the higher the status of the owner.

Here are a few more examples of varguenos taken from google and 1stdibs.

The next to the last photo shows a vargueno which is very similar to the one that's hiding under the table.......

WISH ME LUCK!!

Jones is gradually improving. Still has a way to go before he is 100 percent.

Blessing.

Mary & Jones & Cole

PS  WELL, I JUST READ WHAT I WROTE LAST NIGHT AND I'M NOT VERY HAPPY WITH WHAT I WROTE. THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO SAY ABOUT VARGUENOS, BUT I WAS A BIT GROUCHY. NEXT POST WILL GIVE MORE DETAILS AND MORE PHOTOS OF THE LITTLE LONELY VARGUENO THAT I'M BUYING THIS MORNING.

xoxo  MARY