Brass Bound Rosewood Chest From Kutch - 18th Century

An excellent example of a Kutchi chest from The Rann of Kutch on the west coast of India. Bound with brass and made from solid rosewood, it dates from the 18th century. The mix of styles found on this chest reflects the many influences exerted on India in the 17th, 18th & 19th centuries.

The overall style and use of rosewood have parallels to the construction of the 'Zanzibar' chests constructed in Gujarat for the dhow trade ships. It's possible this could have been originally made for this purpose. The iron side lifting handles are traditional East India Company specifications and the drawer handles are Regency English handles. The front hasp has at some time been replaced. The heavily patinated brass on the front deposits tree of life designs, but is crudely cut. Dhow chests were used for transporting heavy luxury merchant goods across the Arabian Sea and these chests were often decorated by sailors to pass the time at sea. 

The brass corners are classic indicators of the Kutchi style. Many of these chests found their ways to the homes of wealthy Indian merchants in Gujarat where they would have been used for storing valuables such as textiles, jewellery, and cash.

This piece has a large central compartment complete with a candle box and chain to prevent the lid from falling fully open. Three drawers run along the bottom adding additional storage.

Dimensions:

108 x 58 x 53 (wxdxh cms)

From India

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