Painted Teak Manjus Dowry Chest From Saurashtra - 19thC

Originally a chest like this would have been given as a dowry gift. A single door opens to reveal a large internal storage area. The whole chest is supported by beautifully carved classic Mughal shaped legs and two ornately carved horses protrude from the top front corners.

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.

103 x 51 x 75 (wxdxh cms)

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