Painted Sunburst Majus From Gujarat - 19th Century

This beautifully weathered 19th-century Majus dowry chest originates from Gujarat, India, and belongs to one of the most distinctive forms of traditional domestic furniture from the Saurashtra region. Majus chests were traditionally associated with the Kathi community and were used to accompany a bride to her new home, carrying jewellery, textiles and other valued possessions.

This example retains a wonderfully worn blue-green painted finish, with extensive age-related craquelure and areas of earlier colour visible beneath. The front is dominated by three striking sunburst-carved panels, a decorative motif influenced by Portuguese design, reflecting the long history of cultural exchange along the western coast of India.

Rather than having a conventional pair of doors, the cabinet is accessed through a single central hatch, which opens into the main storage compartment behind the front. Below are three drawers, each fitted with a white ceramic knob, providing additional practical storage. The cabinet stands on turned legs and retains traditional metal fittings and hardware.

Majus chests were used not only for transporting and storing a bride's belongings, but also for practical household storage, including provisions and food. Today, this piece would work beautifully as a sideboard, storage cabinet or statement piece, bringing strong architectural character to both traditional and contemporary interiors.

• Origin: Gujarat, India
• Date: 19th century
• Materials: Wood, metal and ceramic
• Features: Three carved sunburst panels; Portuguese-influenced decoration; single central hatch opening to main storage compartment; three drawers; ceramic knobs; turned legs; original distressed blue-green painted finish
• Condition: Good antique condition with extensive wear, craquelure, rubbing and losses to the painted finish consistent with age and use
• Dimensions: W123 × D45 × H80 cm
• Weight: 50 kg