Small Brass & Rosewood 'Malabar' Chest From Kutch - 19th Century Origin - Persia Condition: Age-related wear and small

Condition: Age-related wear and small dents

It's also the national flower of Taiwan

69 x 10 x 154 (w x d x h cms)

practical and full of character

43 x 14 x 17

Small Brass & Rosewood 'Malabar' Chest From Kutch - 19th Century Origin - Persia Condition: Age-related wear and smallThis beautifully carved Indian chest is known as a Malabar chest and dates to the middle of the 19th century. It is made from solid rosewood and bound with brass. This is a rather small example suggesting it was made for use as a merchants lockbox. Perhaps a sea captain. The larger 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 &