A beautiful Anglo-Indian Marriage Dowry chest circa 1900 with campaign handles and original wooden wheels, a very well-crafted and decorative chest, decorated with brass inlaid wire work, classically indicative of Indian artistry. This piece is a fine example of an Anglo-Indian chest. Designed as a dowry piece to be given by the father of the bride in an Indian wedding, you would have gold, jewellery, land deeds, money and fine linens stored inside.
I can only imagine how exciting it must have been to open one of these when it was full!
This style of chest is always etched with brass wire and is constructed from beautifully patinated teak with its original brass fittings and handles. The interior consists of stunning craftsmanship with many amazing details, including carved woodwork on the arches, coloured petals, decorative mirrors and carved panels opening to one large space, with separate boxes with carved lids. One of the boxes has a sliding false bottom that can be moved to reveal a secret compartment. There is an exterior drawer in the front, and the top is made from a single piece of teak wood.
Nowadays it’s a fantastic decorator's piece, great for storing small items and again folded linens, I have seen them used as coffee tables, side lamp tables and so on.
The piece has been lightly restored to include a deep clean, hand-condition wax and hand polish from top to bottom. It has all the original charm and charisma you would hope to find.
Authentic antique conditions with few signs of marks and scratches, and wonderful patina.
Dimensions
Height: 61cm
Width: 83cm
Depth: 45cm