Chip Carved Merchants Box From Ramgargh - 18th Century

This lovely chip-carved antique Indian box is from Ramgarh in Shekhawati and has the original ironwork. It is made from teakwood and dates to the 18th century.

These boxes were used in the old days by merchants and traders in the bazaars for storing their cash and ledgers. They were also used by Indian families for the dowry of their daughters, as a trousseau. This style of box is often decorated with chip carving that is almost identical to European chip carving, probably because of contact in ancient times with traders and armies traveling from the north.

Exceptionally well made, these boxes make great keepsake or trinket boxes. You can store everything from TV remotes to knitting in them. This one has developed a wonderful patina over time.