Carved Teak Majus Dowry Chest From Gujarat - 19th Century

This old Indian majus dowry chest from Gujarat has been given a new lease of life with a light blue paint wash. The front of this impressive piece is chip carved in the traditional style. Traces of old paint are still visible in its carvings giving it a splash of colour. The central panel opens to reveal a large internal storage area. It has beautifully carved horse finials on the top corners - signifying wealth

In India, the bride€™s family had to offer gifts known as Dowry - to the bridegroom€™s family if they were to find a good husband for their daughter. Dowry was normally gold jewellery and silk saris but sometimes brass cooking pots and other family treasures were exchanged.

It dates to the 19th century and has beautifully carved spiral panels which are a later addition to the piece. 

References:

A similar example can be seen in "Folk Art & Culture of Gujarat: A Guide to the Collection of the Shreyas Folk Museum of Gujarat" by Jyotindra Jain - figure 59

From India

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