This beautifully carved and painted antique Indian dowry chest is  a good example of a majus dowry chest. The style is classically indicative of Saurashtra in Gujarat, Northern India and it dates to the early 20th century.

Covered in finely carved Mughal style floral and geometric patterns and adorned with hanging bells, this is a truly magnificent piece. There have been some customisations with the addition of modern hinges on the two outer doors which would have originally been fixed panels. A shelf has been added for extra functionality. 

As is traditional on dowry chests, carved horse heads frame the corners. Additional carvings adorn the ends and the whole piece has developed a wonderful patina, most evident on the top section.

Dowry chests from Saurashtra and the surrounding area are also 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.

Dimensions:

110 x 47 x 87 (wxdxh cms)

From India

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