{"product_id":"indian-brass-bound-rosewood-malabar-chest-a03565","title":"Rosewood 'Malabar' Document Box From Kutch - 19th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis finely made rosewood document box is an exceptional example of a “Malabar” chest, produced in \u003cstrong\u003eKutch, Gujarat\u003c\/strong\u003e for the dhow trade across the Indian Ocean and East Africa. Compact in scale yet unusually sophisticated in design, it reflects a higher grade of craftsmanship, intended not simply for transport, but for the organised storage of personal and commercial valuables. The high quality of workmanship, and premium rosewood hints at a wealthy original owner. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe exterior is richly composed with \u003cstrong\u003ebrass strapwork, radiating star motifs, and a central floral cartouche\u003c\/strong\u003e, arranged with a confident symmetry across the surface. At its centre, scrolling foliage rises from a stylised vase, a motif that reflects the Indo-Portuguese decorative language characteristic of 19th-century Kutch export work. The brass mounts both embellish and reinforce the structure, creating a box built to endure travel while maintaining a strong visual presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interior reveals the true quality of the piece. A \u003cstrong\u003eremovable fitted tray with drawers and compartments\u003c\/strong\u003e sits above the main storage well, accompanied by a \u003cstrong\u003eletter rack integrated into the lid\u003c\/strong\u003e, allowing for the careful organisation of documents, correspondence, and small valuables. This level of internal refinement is not typical of standard examples and suggests a more discerning owner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kutch, Gujarat, India\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 19th Century\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rosewood with brass mounts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brass strapwork, star motifs, central floral cartouche, hinged lid with chain support, removable fitted interior with drawers and compartments, integrated letter rack\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good antique condition with wear and patina consistent with age and use. Restored in our UK workshops.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Width 55 × Depth 33 × Height 30 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA particularly well-preserved and highly functional Kutch export chest, traditionally known as a Malabar document box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReferences:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor similar larger examples see Unwin, Sheila. \u003cem\u003eThe Arab Chest\u003c\/em\u003e. London: Thames \u0026amp; Hudson, 1991, pp. 85–87.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Indigo Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56993651261823,"sku":"A03565","price":995.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0217\/2522\/files\/Brass_Bound_Malabar_Rosewood_Chest_With_Fitted_Interior_From_Kutch_Gujarat.jpg?v=1774282203","url":"https:\/\/www.indigo-uk.com\/products\/indian-brass-bound-rosewood-malabar-chest-a03565","provider":"Indigo Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}