Portugal
17th century (late)
Turned Brazilian rosewood, cut and cast gilded brass, straw
This bier was used for the burial of nuns, transporting the body to its grave in the Royal Convent of Santa Clara of Vila do Conde.
The assemblers of this type of piece integrated materials and techniques that define the first phase of the national Baroque in furniture. It is characterised by the use of rosewood imported from Brazil, which enhanced the use of turned features, and by the application of metallic fittings in gilded brass, made in highly creative compositions and revealing the influence of furniture produced in India.