Painted Majus Dowry Chest From Gujarat- 19thC

This painted teak dowry chest from Gujarat is called a majus in Hindi. 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.

This Indian dowry chest has clear Portuguese influences as seen by the carved sunburst panels either side of the central doors. A horse bracket frames each corner and the remains of old paint make this a beautiful rustic piece. 

From India

113 x 72 x 97 (wxdxh cms)

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