TREASURE CHESTS

Spanish Colonial trunks, often displaying mortise-and-tenon joinery and wrought-iron lock plates, are a signature element of Hacienda style. According to expert Allan Bone of the Allan Bone Gallery, the wood chests may feature inlay work, painted designs, leather detailing or ornate carvings. The authentically crafted reproduction piece shown here has a carved scalloped skirt and is available through Mediterrania.

Tooled leather and wrought-iron detailing make this trunk rare. Allan Bone says that Spanish Colonial trunks crafted of leather are called petacas in Spanish.

The simple design of this sabino wood trunk accentuates its mortise-and-tenon joinery. It is displayed on a new iron stand, making it easy to access its contents.

This antique dowry chest is decorated simply with a large painted floral design. A bride would have used the dome-lidded trunk to hold her clothing and valuables.

Made in the late 18th century and crafted of sabino wood, this large trunk features intricate carving. It is from Holler & Saunders Ltd.

Carved star motifs and corner fans—likely the predecessors of designs seen in modern-day New Mexican furnishings—embellish this 18th-century walnut trunk from Morning Star Traders.

Circa 1820, this trunk from Joe P. Carr Design has a decorative lock plate and large clavos, which likely reinforced the exterior. It probably was used to transport documents.