Bargueño desks, designed to hold documents and money, originated in Renaissance Spain and remained popular through the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries.
Subastas Segre in Madrid will offer a fine example in its next auction series on February 6-8. Constructed of walnut, the sumptuous interior is covered with gold decoration and bone inlay typical of the 16th and 17th centuries and contains several secret compartments.
The desks were designed to be portable to allow them to travel with the court, hence the handles on the sides.