This beautifully carved and patinated antique Indian dowry chest is a fine example of a majus dowry chest (also spelled majju / manjush). The style is attributed to the Mer community of Saurashtra in Gujarat, Northern India and it dates to the 19th century. These were the most elaborate pieces of furniture found in a Mer household and would have been used as storage chests. 

These elaborate chests were covered in finely carved animals, and are defined by their iconic red lacquer roundall disks which share similarities with Sindh furniture. It's adorned with Mughal style floral and geometric patterns. As is common in much of India, this chest is crafted from solid teak wood. 

As is traditional on these dowry chests, carved horse heads feature heavily on this piece. The two outer horseheads show historic damage. 

Dowry chests from Saurashtra and the surrounding area are known as 'majus'. A dowry was the traditional gift given to the groom's family to ensure the bride found a wealthy and good husband. Dowries were usually jewelry and silk saris but sometimes brass cooking pots and other family treasures were exchanged. Dowries have now been outlawed but in reality, it is still practiced and cars and even washing machines have been known to be exchanged.

A similar example can be seen in "Folk Art & Culture of Gujarat: A Guide to the Collection of the Shreyas Folk Museum of Gujarat" by Jyotindra Jain - figure 198.

Dimensions:

125 x 62 x 96 (wxdxh cms)

From India

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