Chip Carved Indian 'Manjus' Dowry Chest From Rajasthan - 19thC

The detailed chip carving on this manjus is of exceptional quality and unusually, it has been carved on both the front and the sides. Originally a chest like this would have been given as a dowry gift. Three doors open to reveal a large internal storage area. The whole chest is supported by beautifully carved classic Mughal shaped legs. Manjus chests usually have far longer legs making this piece unusually low and more suitable for use as an AV unit. 

Dowry chests from Saurashtra and the surrounding area are also known as 'manjus'. A dowry was the traditional gift given to the groom's family to ensure the bride found a wealthy and good husband. Dowries were usually jewelry and silk saris but sometimes brass cooking pots and other family treasures were exchanged. Dowries have now been outlawed but in reality, it is still practiced and cars and even washing machines have been known to be exchanged.

104 x 56.5 x 67 (wxdxh cms)

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