Iron Clad Merchants Box From Shekhawati - 19th Century Lembata It is intricately carved with

It is intricately carved with the shape of the goddess Durga

This antique elm & maple Chinese compound cabinet (dasijiangui) dates to the 19th century

5 (wxdxhcms)Frame Size 28 x 1

5 x 28 x 52 (wxdxh cms)

timeworn patina

Iron Clad Merchants Box From Shekhawati - 19th Century Lembata It is intricately carved withThese boxes are locally called peti (casket) and were originally used to store the trousseau (bridal clothes & jewellery). The body of the box is constructed from roheda wood which is clad with iron and brass. Between the 17th & 19th centuries, the Marwari merchants of Shekhawati grew incredibly wealthy from taxing traveling caravans. At the time, craftsmanship of this quality would have been expensive. These boxes are beautiful standalone collectible