Indian 'Damchiya' Dowry Chest From Kutch - Ca 1920

This dramatic teak dowry chest - Damchiya- is in its original unpolished condition. Chip carved and embellished with small mirrors, this style is typical of this area of Kutch. More unusually this piece features a reverse glass painted panel decorated with green parakeets 

Traditionally 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. In modern times dowry is supposed to have been made an illegal practice, but in reality, it is still practiced and cars and even washing machines have been known to be exchanged.

From Kutch, India

100 x 34 x 122 (wxdxh cms)

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