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ID #SA1183872
FOR SALE
£780
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Indian Dowry/ Marriage Chest from Jaisalmer, Circa 19th Century
Surrey Antiques by Gary J Hall
for sale €913     $991
£780

Surrey Antiques by Gary J Hall

Sellingantiques Verified Since Dec 2015
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Indian Dowry/ Marriage Chest from Jaisalmer, Circa 19th Century

19th century
Description

This Jaisalmer dowry or marriage chest, colloquially known as a stick chest, is a testament to the resourcefulness and artistry of the desert – dwelling tribes of West Rajasthan. Crafted from the sticks harvested from the arid desert landscape, this chest is meticulously riveted together with robust iron fittings, creating a durable and secure container for the precious dowry items.

Over the years, the surface of the chest developed a pale, dry patina, a visual narrative of its history and the hands it has passed through. This patination is not merely a sign of age but a badge of honour, showcasing the chest’s resilience and the life it has witnessed.

The chest’s utilitarian design, coupled with its aesthetic wear and character, makes it an ideal piece for modern homes. It can serve as a unique storage solution in a bedroom, holding linens or personal items. Alternatively, its flat surface and sturdy construction allow it to be repurposed as a distinctive coffee table, sparking conversations and evoking the mystique of its origins.

This Jaisalmer dowry chest is not just a piece of furniture; it's a slice of history, a functional work of art that bridges the gap between the traditional and the contemporary. Its presence in a home adds a layer of depth and storytelling, making it much more than a mere receptacle – it becomes a cherished heirloom.

Height: 22 1/2 inches (57 cm)

Width: 47 inches (120 cm)

Depth: 24 1/2 inches (62 cm)

Physical Dimensions
Height
57cm (22.44")
Width
120cm (47.24")
Depth
62cm (24.41")
Declaration

Surrey Antiques by Gary J Hall has dated this Antique Indian Dowry Chest to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1183872
Dealers Internal Reference
SA135
Dealers Notes

Surrey Antiques have been dealing in and restoring fine furniture since 1982. With over 35 years experience dealing in all types of antique furniture from early oak and walnut to Georgian mahogany and the more exotic timbers such as rosewood and satinwood.

Whilst we deal mostly with mahogany furniture of the Georgian period designed by some of the greatest furniture designers such as Chippendale, Sheraton, Hepplewhite and Adam we also have a very good in depth knowledge of all the main periods of English furniture design from early oak to Regency and Victorian.

Description
This Jaisalmer dowry or marriage chest, colloquially known as a stick chest, is a testament to the resourcefulness and artistry of the desert – dwelling tribes of West Rajasthan. Crafted from the sticks harvested from the arid desert landscape, this chest is meticulously riveted together with robust iron fittings, creating a durable and secure container for the precious dowry items.
“
Over the years, the surface of the chest developed a pale, dry patina, a visual narrative of its history and the hands it has passed through.
Surrey Antiques by Gary J Hall

This patination is not merely a sign of age but a badge of honour, showcasing the chest’s resilience and the life it has witnessed.

fig 1. A large 19th-century Indian timber marriage chest featuring panelled sides, iron strapping, and turned feet.
fig 1. Indian Dowry/ Marriage Chest from Jaisalmer, Circa 19th Century

The chest’s utilitarian design, coupled with its aesthetic wear and character, makes it an ideal piece for modern homes. It can serve as a unique storage solution in a bedroom, holding linens or personal items. Alternatively, its flat surface and sturdy construction allow it to be repurposed as a distinctive coffee table, sparking conversations and evoking the mystique of its origins.

fig 2. A large 19th-century Indian timber marriage chest featuring panelled sides, iron strapping, and turned feet.
fig 2. Indian Dowry/ Marriage Chest from Jaisalmer, Circa 19th Century

This Jaisalmer dowry chest is not just a piece of furniture; it's a slice of history, a functional work of art that bridges the gap between the traditional and the contemporary. Its presence in a home adds a layer of depth and storytelling, making it much more than a mere receptacle – it becomes a cherished heirloom.

Height: 22 1/2 inches (57 cm)

Width: 47 inches (120 cm)

Depth: 24 1/2 inches (62 cm)

Height
57cm (22.44")
Width
120cm (47.24")
Depth
62cm (24.41")
Date of Manufacture

Surrey Antiques by Gary J Hall has dated this Antique Indian Dowry Chest to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1183872
Dealers Internal Ref
SA135
Surrey Antiques by Gary J Hall
Sellingantiques verified Since Dec 2015

We offer a friendly and reliable service based on traditional values, where personal service and customer satisfaction are paramount..

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Surrey Antiques by Gary J Hall Profile Page

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A large 19th-century Indian timber marriage chest featuring panelled sides, iron strapping, and turned feet.
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Archive I A large 19th-century Indian timber marriage chest featuring panelled sides, iron strapping, and turned feet.

Indian Dowry/ Marriage Chest from Jaisalmer, Circa 19th Century

Archive II A large 19th-century Indian timber marriage chest featuring panelled sides, iron strapping, and turned feet. View II
Archive III A large 19th-century Indian timber marriage chest featuring panelled sides, iron strapping, and turned feet. View III
Archive IV A large 19th-century Indian timber marriage chest featuring panelled sides, iron strapping, and turned feet. View IV
Enlarged Archival View

Surrey Antiques by Gary J Hall
Telephone 07711 846 712 or 01276 856 799
Location
Unit 7A
Pankhurst Farm
Bagshot Road
West End
Surrey
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/surreyantiques
Verified Since Dec 2015
Items For Sale 71
Items Sold 115
Surrey Antiques by Gary J Hall
Verified Since Dec 2015
View Dealer Info
Location: Unit 7A, Pankhurst Farm, Bagshot Road, West End, Surrey, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/surreyantiques
Verified
Dec 2015
For Sale
71
Sold
115
A large 19th-century Indian timber marriage chest featuring panelled sides, iron strapping, and turned feet.
Indian Dowry/ Marriage Chest From Jaisalmer, Circa 19th Century
Ref: SA1183872
A large 19th-century Indian timber marriage chest featuring panelled sides, iron strapping, and turned feet.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Archival Detail

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FAQs

An Indian dowry marriage chest, traditionally known as a damchiya or pitara, originates from regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat. These chests were gifted to brides to transport personal belongings, textiles, and household valuables to their new marital home.

They are typically constructed from dense native hardwoods such as teak, rosewood, or mango wood, reinforced with hand-forged iron straps, corner brackets, and panelling to ensure long-term durability.

Authentic 19th-century pieces feature hand-carved panelling, wrought iron hardware, traditional joinery, turned feet, and natural surface wear including age-appropriate timber shrinkage.

These versatile timber chests function effectively as low coffee tables, entryway storage benches, or foot-of-bed coffers in modern, eclectic, or bohemian interior schemes.

Maintain the timber by dusting regularly with a soft dry cloth and applying beeswax polish periodically, while keeping the piece away from direct heat sources and extreme humidity fluctuations.
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