Carved 'Malabar' Chest From Kutch - Mid 19th Century

This beautifully carved brass-bound chest is known as a 'Malabar' chest and dates to the middle of the 19th century. It is made from solid rosewood and is an excellent example of this style. These chests were used as dhow trade chests for transporting spices like pepper and cloves, Indian cotton, and gemstones. The main trade hubs were Diu, Surat, Basra, Zanzibar & Bombay. 

 

Although a Malabar chest in name, this style of chest was likely made in Kutch in Gujarat. This carving is heavily influenced by the Portuguese style with fleur-de-lys corners and breadfruit springing from a central vase.

 

The lid is made from a single plank of rosewood suggesting considerable age before larger rosewood trees were felled in the middle of the 19th century. The base and 4 drawers are constructed from jungle wood.

From India

 

133 x 58 x 76 (wxdxh cms)

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