{"product_id":"painted-sunburst-majus-from-gujarat-19th-century","title":"Painted Sunburst Majus From Gujarat - 19th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis beautifully weathered \u003cstrong\u003e19th-century Majus dowry chest originates from Gujarat, India\u003c\/strong\u003e, and belongs to one of the most distinctive forms of traditional domestic furniture from the Saurashtra region. Majus chests were traditionally associated with the \u003cstrong\u003eKathi community\u003c\/strong\u003e and were used to accompany a bride to her new home, carrying jewellery, textiles and other valued possessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis example retains a wonderfully worn \u003cstrong\u003eblue-green painted finish\u003c\/strong\u003e, with extensive age-related craquelure and areas of earlier colour visible beneath. The front is dominated by three striking \u003cstrong\u003esunburst-carved panels\u003c\/strong\u003e, a decorative motif influenced by \u003cstrong\u003ePortuguese design\u003c\/strong\u003e, reflecting the long history of cultural exchange along the western coast of India.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRather than having a conventional pair of doors, the cabinet is accessed through a \u003cstrong\u003esingle central hatch\u003c\/strong\u003e, which opens into the main storage compartment behind the front. Below are \u003cstrong\u003ethree drawers\u003c\/strong\u003e, each fitted with a white ceramic knob, providing additional practical storage. The cabinet stands on turned legs and retains traditional metal fittings and hardware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMajus 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 \u003cstrong\u003esideboard, storage cabinet or statement piece\u003c\/strong\u003e, bringing strong architectural character to both traditional and contemporary interiors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 Wood, metal and ceramic\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good antique condition with extensive wear, craquelure, rubbing and losses to the painted finish consistent with age and use\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e W123 × D45 × H80 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50 kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Indigo Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58409164800383,"sku":"A03822","price":1695.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0217\/2522\/files\/Antique_Indian_Green_Painted_Majus_A03822.jpg?v=1789140300","url":"https:\/\/www.indigo-uk.com\/products\/painted-sunburst-majus-from-gujarat-19th-century","provider":"Indigo Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}