Studded Shisham Zanzibar Chest - 19th Century

This Indian rosewood chest dates to the 19th century and can be defined as a Shisham style Zanzibar chest (according to writer Sheila Unwin). These chests were made in Gujarat & Bombay and then later decorated with brass studs. Shisham chests are made from a variety of woods - this one being rosewood (dalbergia spp.). The decoration here depicts stylised rosewater sprinklers, often seen on Zanzibar chests. 

Zanzibar chests were used as dhow trade chests for transporting spices like pepper and cloves, Indian cottons, gemstones. Diu, Surat, Basra, Zanzibar & Bombay were the main trade hubs. Plenty of misinformation surrounds Zanzibar chests, and many mistakenly believe their origins are in Zanzibar & the Arab Gulf.

The chest is decorated with brass studs and corners. It has iron lifting handles on the sides. As a trading chest, this piece has had a tough life and has had various repairs during its lifetime. It has retained its interior candle box.

References:

For further reading see 'The Arab Chest' by Sheila Unwin pages 89 - 91 and Unwin, S., 'Dhow Trade Chests', Kenya Past and Present, 19: 1 (1987): pages 34 - 43.

From India

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