{"product_id":"antique-indian-brass-bound-trade-ship-chest","title":"Chinese Export Brass Bound Chest- 18th Century","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn over \u003cstrong\u003e45 years of travelling across Asia\u003c\/strong\u003e, we have encountered only a handful of chests like this—rare, early \u003cstrong\u003etransnational trade chests\u003c\/strong\u003e whose origins span multiple cultures and maritime routes, yet remain scarcely documented. This extraordinary example would have been used aboard \u003cstrong\u003eEast Indiaman trading ships\u003c\/strong\u003e sailing between \u003cstrong\u003eChina, India, and Britain\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it a true survivor of the great trading age and a precursor to the more widely recognised \u003cstrong\u003ered leather camphor chests of 19th-century Canton\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe form of the chest is distinctly \u003cstrong\u003eAnglo-Indian\u003c\/strong\u003e, reflected in its proportions and robust construction, as well as the strong brass carrying handles. Yet it is embellished with details from several traditions. The \u003cstrong\u003ebrass corner mounts\u003c\/strong\u003e are shaped as \u003cstrong\u003eruyi\u003c\/strong\u003e—the ceremonial sceptre associated with good fortune and authority in Buddhist and Chinese symbolism. The \u003cstrong\u003elock plate\u003c\/strong\u003e, meanwhile, depicts a \u003cstrong\u003edouble-headed eagle\u003c\/strong\u003e, known in India as the \u003cstrong\u003eGandaberunda (or Berunda)\u003c\/strong\u003e, a mythical bird of immense strength found throughout South Indian iconography. This blend of symbolism highlights the chest’s unique role as a container for personal goods travelling across—and between—worlds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interior retains remnants of its \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal decorative paper lining\u003c\/strong\u003e, now beautifully timeworn, adding to the historic depth and authenticity of the piece. With its glowing patina, brasswork shaped by different belief systems, and maritime history, this is a rare collector’s chest representing centuries of global exchange, craftsmanship and myth-making.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Likely India for British colonial use; traded across China–India–Britain routes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late 18th – early 19th century\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardwood with brass hardware; original paper lining remnants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Anglo-Indian form; ruyi-shaped brass corner mounts; Gandaberunda \/ Berunda lock plate; strong brass carrying handles; beautifully worn patina\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Age-related wear, losses to interior lining, and surface marks consistent with maritime use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e W94 x D65 x H63 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Indigo Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56300351095167,"sku":"A03384","price":1100.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0217\/2522\/files\/Anglo_Indian_Maritime_Trade_Chest_With_Ruyi_Brass_Mounts_And_Gandaberunda_Lock_Plate_A03384.jpg?v=1764950303","url":"https:\/\/www.indigo-uk.com\/products\/antique-indian-brass-bound-trade-ship-chest","provider":"Indigo Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}